Ronald Lane

Ronald Willis Lane was everything to those who knew him. The perfect dad, husband, grandpa, mentor and man of service to others. Ron could build or fix anything from houses and cars to airplanes and helicopters. He always stood for doing what was right and was the most selfless person you could ever meet.
Ron retired from the Marine Corps. He loved his country and believed in a life of service. He was active duty for 22 years followed by four years in the reserves.
Ron had over 2,000 flight hours on the C-130 and his level of expertise was acknowledged in prestigious opportunities. He was flight crew for 10 years on top of his job as a metalsmith. Ron concluded his military career overseeing quality assurance. He led his team with courage and humility, never asking anyone to do anything that he could not or would not do himself. Decorations, medals, badges, citations and campaign ribbons awarded during his service included: Good Conduct Medal W/5*; Meritorious Unit Commendation W/3*; Sea Service Deployment Ribbon; Overseas Ribbon; National Defense Service Medal; Navy Achievement Medal; Meritorious Mast, Letter of Appreciation (two); and Certificate of Appreciation.
After retiring from the Marine Corps from his last station of duty, Ron and his wife, Karen, moved their family to Custer, S.D. Ron started a second career with Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF), where he worked for 22 years first as a conductor, then shortly after became a locomotive engineer.
Ron was the definition of a hard worker. He would joke about never retiring with his family because he loved running trains and the comradery of his BNSF family.
Ron died Dec. 3, 2019, in Custer. He was 63.
He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Karen Lane; daughter Ashlee (Pablo) Fechino; sons, Steven (Miranda) Lane and David (Michele) Griffin; brother-in-law, Burt Randall; and five grandchildren.
Burial took place Dec. 9 at Custer Cemetery with military honors.

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