Ronald (Ron) Willis Lane, age 63, lived in Custer, SD since 1996. He passed away December 3, 2019 in Custer, SD.

Ron is survived by his wife of 34 years Karen Lane; daughter Ashlee (Pablo) Fechino; sons Steven (Miranda) Lane and David (Michele) Griffin; and brother in law Burt Randall.  Ron loved each of his 5 grandchildren. Ron was everything to those that knew him. The perfect Dad, Husband, Grandpa, mentor, and man of service to others. Ron was the smartest guy you could ever come across. He 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 4 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 metal smith. 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 (2); and Certificate of Appreciation.

After retiring from the Marine Corps from his last station of duty, Ron and Karen moved their family to Custer, SD. 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.

We are forever grateful for the BNSF team that helped our family in his final hours along with Custer County Law Enforcement and Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home.

Please join his family for a celebration of life to honor Ron's greatness. He will be dearly missed.

Visitation – Celebration of Life services will be held Monday, December 9, 2019 at 10:00 am, at the Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Custer, SD

Funeral/memorial service/Place of Burial – Monday December 9, 2019 at 11:00 am at the Custer Cemetery with Military honors. Lunch will follow at the Custer VFW.

Name and daytime phone number - Ashlee Fechino 970-712-4187 or Steven Lane 605-517-1166

Funeral Home or Mortuary – Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home, Custer, SD