Saraland, AL, US
U.S. Navy
HM2, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, 2nd Marine Division
4/16/2011, Jacksonville, NC, USA
When Brenton wrote his life beliefs in his Facebook page, he stated “God puts you exactly where you’re supposed to be. He sets the path and sometimes there are detours, but in the end it’s the path you’re supposed to be on. You have to know your people, know their limits and what they can do.”
He was born May 8, 1985 in Ark City, Ks. and was nicknamed “Lil Lane” and as a child dreamt of being many things to include a firefighter, doctor, astronaut, and superhero. But as he grew up he decided to forego the firefighter, doctor, and astronaut and instead became a Navy Corpsman. The Marines personal version of a superhero.
Brenton loved to watch Saturday morning cartoons and never lost his love for life. At the age of 18, he joined the United States Navy and became a Corpsman to help his brothers in arms stay alive while deployed in combat. Brenton served two deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan attached to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, 2nd Marine Division. During his deployment he received the U.S. Navy Commendation of Valor, Combat Meritorious Advancement, and a Purple Heart.
Although “Docs” are cherished by Marines in combat areas, the feelings were fully reciprocated by Lane. He was fiercely faithful to his men and never hesitated whenever he was needed by any of them. This loyalty wasn’t just on the battlefield. Brenton was quick with a smile and to help anyone who needed it, and was extremely honest about his choices and actions he made and experienced during his journey through life, as well as what he had observed from life around him. From his South American experience with a local police officer, to women problems, marriage, divorce, childhood, and the good and the bad of personal life experiences.
On April 16, 2011, Brenton and a fellow corpsman were driving toward Wilmington, NC, on Interstate 17, around 10:30 p.m. when they were involved in a fatal accident. The driver barely survived, but Lil Lane sustained fatal injuries. Brenton’s passing has shaken the lives of many people that include, family, military friends, civilian friends, and others whose lives Brenton had touched in his own way.
He is survived by his mother, Mary Combs; father, Brenton (Janette) Lane Sr.; five siblings, Alana (Robert) Butler, Ike (Alissa) Douglas, Kevin Douglas, Luke Giles, and Emily Lane; nephews, Nathan Mims, Kennedy, Diego and Elijah Butler; nieces, Madison and Jessica Lane, Brooklin Walker, Morgan Adams, Harlie and Baylie Douglas; grandparents, Jimmie and Frances Yarber, James and Betty Stringfellow Sr., Pat Lane; Aunts, Brenda McKinney, Shawn Renollet; uncles, James Stringfellow Jr., and Britt Lane; many cousins and friends.