By Alabama Public Radio
Baghdad, Iraq – Sergeant Lonnie Paron was killed Friday in Baghdad when his tank struck an explosive device. His family says he will be buried a few miles from where he grew up in the White House Fork community, west of Bay Minette. The 39-year old Parson had served in the military for 18 years and was on his third tour in Iraq. He also served in Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. His mother says he had been awarded a Silver Star for gallantry in action and a Bronze Star for heroic and meritorious achievement.