Congressman Lane Allen Evans, 63, of Rock Island, died Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014, at Hope Creek Care Center, East Moline. He died of complications brought on by the effects of Parkinson’s disease, which he was diagnosed with in 1995.

Lane was born Aug. 4, 1951, in Rock Island to Lee H. and Joycelene E. (Saylor) Evans. He was the second of four brothers, Steve, Doyle and Dave. Lane attended Sacred Heart School in Rock Island and graduated from Alleman High School in 1969. He then joined the Marine Corps and completed boot camp in San Diego. Lane was stationed in Okinawa during the Vietnam War due to the Sullivan Act because his brother Steve was already in Vietnam.

Two years later, he was honorably discharged and began his studies at Black Hawk College. Lane then attended Augustana College and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1974. He completed his education with a Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University Law Center in 1977. During these years, Lane volunteered for the presidential campaigns of George McGovern and populist Fred Harris. He was a field staff organizer for Ted Kennedy’s 1980 presidential campaign. He worked out of his home as an attorney until opening the Community Legal Service Practice with two other attorneys, Dennis Buchneger and Jean Becker, in 1981.

He returned to his hometown after graduation and worked for Prairie State Legal Services, which offered pro-bono legal assistance to children and the poor. In 1982, Lane entered the race for U.S. Congress as a Democrat. He won the 17th Congressional District seat at just 31 years of age. He immediately joined 13 other Democrats to form the new Populist Caucus to take on “unbridled corporate power” and fight for the poor and middle class. He was promptly appointed to the Veterans Affairs Committee and, later, the House Armed Services Committee and National Security Committee. His work on behalf of veterans was extensive and effective, fighting for veterans' benefits and bringing awareness to post-traumatic stress disorder, the effects of Agent Orange exposure, the homeless problem, substance abuse and mental health services. One of his most laudable achievements was spearheading legislation that compensated disabled veterans exposed to Agent Orange, as well as their children who suffered ailments such as spina bifida. Lane’s work earned him many awards from veterans organizations, the pinnacle of which was the 1994 AMVETS Silver Helmet Award, which is called the “Oscar” of veterans honors. The Military Order of Purple Hearts once said of Evans: “a great man, a proud veteran and a man to whom all veterans and service personnel are deeply indebted.” Lane also worked hard on behalf of labor unions, the environment and the Rock Island Arsenal. Most important to him, though, was his work with constituents, which he called “the most gratifying part of my job.” He helped everyone, no matter their background, to get the justice they deserved.

On Capitol Hill, Lane earned respect and friendships on both sides of the aisle for his straightforward speaking and honesty. He was kind and polite to everyone; whether you were a high-ranking politician or emptying his wastebasket, he treated everyone with respect and kindness. Lane became friends with all of his staff, sometimes even hosting pickup basketball games late into the night. He was an avid basketball player and loved technological gadgets. He led a very personal life, protecting his privacy and that of his family. He felt an obligation to the people of the district. In 1998, he announced his Parkinson’s disease to the public and continued to serve and win elections until 2006, when he retired. Lane won 12 elections during his career, but he spawned the successful careers of many other politicians. In 2003, Lane endorsed Barack Obama for U.S. Senate, which the now-president credits with his win. President Obama and Lane continued to be friends, exchanging letters and visits until his health made it impossible. Several buildings and public structures throughout the Quad-Cities are named in his honor.

He spent his final years in nursing care, wrapped in a U.S. Marine Corps blanket, enjoying his visits from friends and listening to The Beatles.

Lane was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his brothers, Steve (Chrystal), Doyle and Dave; nieces, Joyce and Jennifer; caretakers, Cher Erickson and Mike Malmstrom; and hundreds of friends and colleagues who celebrated life and “fought the good fight” alongside Lane. He will be missed by many, those who knew him personally and those who were affected by his life. Special thanks to Hope Creek and its staff and also to Genesis Hospice and its staff.

Online condolences may be made at esterdahl.com.