GALEN PASKLE LANE

The final taps sounded as a faithful soldier was called home. Galen Paskle Lane went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, October 16th following a gallant battle with cancer surrounded by his family. Galen was born March 23, 1938 in Paris, Texas to Willie P. and Lallie Wright Lane where he spent his childhood. He graduated from Paris High School in 1957and moved with his family to Quanah, Texas soon after. There he met the love of his life, Virginia Pettit. They were married on June 30, 1958 and celebrated their 52nd anniversary this past summer. They were blessed with three wonderful children; Gayla Lane Thorpe (David) of Cedar Park, Gwen Lane Davis of Austin and Lamar P. Lane (Jolisa) of Amarillo. In addition, he is survived by seven grandchildren Lauren Thorpe Menge, Benjamin Thorpe, Cole, Lyndee and Ross Davis, Kale and Keely Lane. He was also blessed with three great-grandchildren; Aiden Davis, Tristan McNeely and Addison Thorpe and was awaiting the arrival of his fourth great-granddaughter Brooklyn Thorpe. He is also survived by his two faithful, four-legged companions, Libby and Lucee. Galen enlisted in the United States Army on April 15, 1958 and served faithfully for over 20 years retiring on October 31, 1978. During his distinguished career in the military, he was awarded two Bronze Stars, an Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and numerous Army Commendation Medals from the United States government. Galen had the rare honor of being awarded a Bronze Star, the highest award possible, from the Vietnamese government for his acts of bravery during his tour of service in Vietnam. He also served two tours of duty in Korea. Upon retirement from the U. S. Army, Galen continued his service to his country by assisting veterans through his leadership as an administrator in the Veterans Hospital System for another 15 years before retirement on January 3, 1997. He and his wife Virginia, chose San Angelo for their retirement home and have been active members at Southland Baptist Church. Galen was an avid Texas Longhorn fan and could be found rooting for his favorite college football, basketball and baseball team. He was a faithful fan and a recliner assistant coach for the Dallas Cowboys and San Antonio Spurs. He enjoyed years of attending his children and grandchildren'™s many sporting events! A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 18, 2010 at Southland Baptist Church Friendship Class. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in his memory to VistaCare Hospice Services in San Angelo or to a charity of the donor'™s choice. The family would like to thank Dr. Vikki Forlano, Angie Wilke FNP, Shannon Oncology, Regional Cancer Treatment Center and Pulmonary Rehab for their loving care of their husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather the last four years.