David Lane was born on June 2, 1954, in Muskegon, Michigan, to Otis J. Lane and Marbelle Lane, whose maiden name was recorded as Bogancy on David’s death certificate. His father’s family roots were in Mississippi, while his mother was from Kansas. The Lane family later made their home in Plattsburgh, New York, where David’s father served in the United States Air Force.
The family lived at 50 U.S. Avenue in Plattsburgh, while David’s father’s military address was recorded as the 380th Transportation Squadron, Plattsburgh Air Force Base. The family’s permanent home address was listed as 144 Myrtle Avenue in Muskegon, Michigan. David’s religious affiliation was Methodist.