Obituary of Lane Dalton Parker

AIKEN, SC -- Mr. Lane D. Parker entered into rest on February 27, 2019. Mr. Parker was born at his grandfather's home in Franklin, North Carolina on April 8, 1941.  He entered the United States Marine Corps and was assigned as Heavy-Duty Equipment Operator. Mr. Parker served during the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Panama Canal, and Kaneohe Bay. During his military service and he achieved the rank of Corporal.

After his service he found work performing as a Heavy Equipment Operator in Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee and finally settled in Aiken, SC where he worked for International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOOE) Local 470. Much of his local work was at the Savannah River Site. He created the Training Center for heavy Equipment.

Mr. Parker was a long-term member of the James L. Hammons Marine Corps League Detachment #939 and he rose to the position of Commandant. Mr. Parker received several Distinguished Awards; including, Certificate of Distinguished Award Silver (Department), Certificate of Distinguished Citizens Award Silver (Detachment). Legion of Honor Award (Four Chaplains), Marine of the Year Detachment, Marine of the Year Department and Marine of the Year SE Division (Carter Award). Mr. Lane Parker is best known in Aiken County as the Lead for Aiken County's Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program for 2003-2018. During his leadership of this campaign more than 75,000 children had a Merrier Christmas.

Mr. Parker was preceded in death by his father, Sam Parker and his mother, Laura Eleanor Dalton.

Survivors include his sister, Gay Cromwell of Lynchburg, VA; three nephews, David Cromwell, Roanoke, VA, Sidney Cromwell, Philippines and Tommy Cromwell, Pantego, NC. As well as other family members, friends and his life partner, Julia West of Aiken, SC.

A celebration of life for friends and family will be held Sunday March 3, 2019 from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM at 116 Harvest Lane, Aiken, SC 29803.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory to MCL939, PO Box 6046, Aiken, SC. Cards may be sent to 1522 Herndon Dairy Road, Aiken, SC. 29803.

The Historic George Funeral Home, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234) has charge of arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy for the Parker family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com