PARSONS — John Manuel Lane of Parsons passed away Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, at the age of 61.
In addition to the earned titles of son, brother, husband, father, best friend and co-worker, John was also known as Manuel, Bugsy, Johnny Ringo, Ringo, Tango 6, JohnLane, Boss and “that guy that could fix anything.” Each of these represents a special connection of the user and Manuel.
Manuel was a man of quiet strength, deep compassion and unwavering commitment to those he loved. Born on Aug. 6, 1964, he spent his life rooted in the values of kindness, humility and service to others. Whether offering a helping hand or just quietly standing by, Manuel made those around him feel cared for and valued.
Growing up, Manuel attended school in Parsons. After graduating from high school in Pocahontas, Arkansas, in 1982, Manuel returned to the Parsons area. Manuel pursued hands-on learning and earned several technical certificates, including automotive technology and welding.
Manuel worked in the trades and was an entrepreneur. His working career took him from Parsons to Georgia to Texas and back to Parsons. In those years, he worked in commercial/ residential construction as a diesel mechanic, manufacturing lead for a plastics company and was currently employed at Day and Zimmermann Inc. in Parsons as a heavy driver/lead. Throughout those years, John and his wife, Cindy, also owned and operated J.L. Trucking until 2020. His personal accomplishments as a truck driver included maintaining a CDL license with a HazMat endorsement and driving an excess of 2 million miles with a safety rating of “0.”
During his lifetime of careers, he did everything with pride. That included maintaining lifelong friendships with people in the many places he worked. His current position at DZI honored him with a work family that cherished him. Their true friendship and support were absorbed by John. They wrapped him into their lives as co-worker, brother, friend, sounding board, bar table buddy and that very “person” you needed when you needed that “person.” It was a respect and true camaraderie that cannot be defined by words.
He was a gifted man and his creations will be cherished by his family and friends as lasting symbols of his talent and love. Manuel’s artistic spirit extended to everything to which he set his mind. His talents included wood craftsmanship and restoration of old cars and other mechanical equipment. Two of Manuel’s greatest repair/ restoration/rebuild/create new projects were a coffin shaped motorcycle trailer and a 1954 chicken coop travel trailer. He enjoyed demolition derbies, being a flag line participant and motorcycle riding. He got a special thrill from riding the “Bobber” and experienced some of what life had to offer looking through the windshield of his Harley Davidson. Life was an adventure that he enjoyed experiencing alone, with his wife, Cindy, and with the “Family Bike Gang.”
Manuel enjoyed his quiet time working in his shop, mowing the yard, gardening (including raising his mother’s beloved trumpet lilies) and watching TV with his dog, Lady. Known for his warm smile and gentle spirit, Manuel also had a heart for animals. His cat, Oreo, was his sidekick for many years. His dog, Pepper, melted his heart from the moment she fell asleep in his arms. Whether riding together in the truck or relaxing at home, Pepper was always by Manuel’s side as a loyal friend and cherished part of his life.
On Nov. 17, 2007, Manuel married Cindy (Shaffer) Bolinger in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
Other survivors include a son, Christopher John Lane (Ashley); a stepdaughter, Amanda Bolinger; a stepson, Michael Bolinger; grandchildren, Jonathon Nicholas, Elijah Peyton and Brayleigh Gayle Renea; siblings, James W. “Jim” Lane II, Dr. Cynthia Lane and Michelle Sweeten; a chosen sister, Sandra Harper; and additional family members, Misty Mustain (Kevin), Brandon Lane (Shawna), Sean Lane (Tomi), Zachary Sweeten (Brook), Joshua Sweeten, Carol Burt (Butch) and Tammy Goodyear.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James W. and Rose (Francis) Lane; a stepson, Steven R. Merrill; and ex-wife, Cresenda Williams.
The memorial graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Lane family plot (street 5, block 13) in Oakwood Cemetery in Parsons. To honor Manuel’s memory and his love for his Harley, there will be a motorcycle procession starting at 10:45 a.m. at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home to the cemetery. After burial, the tribute ride will go from the cemetery to the Brown Bishop Post 704, Veterans of Foreign Wars, 105 Main St.
The family suggests memorials to Proud Animal Lovers Shelter (PALS). These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS, 67357.
Leave online condolences at www.forbeshoffman.com.
