Anthony Richard Machado Sr.

Anthony Richard Machado Sr. (Tony) of Lompoc, passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at the age of 99.

Tony was born July 25, 1923, in Lompoc, California, to Emidio and Maria Machado. He began his education at Santa Rita School and graduated from Lompoc Union High School in 1942. Following graduation, Tony continued to farm on the family's ranch in Cebada Canyon for over 50 years.

Tony was a charter member of the Lompoc Elks Lodge and a proud member of the Lompoc Model T Club for many years.  He traveled across the United States several times attending rallies and antique auto tours driving his 1917 Model T Ford, which took him many years to proudly restore. He also entered the Model T in the annual Flower Festival Parade participating each year dating back to the 1960s. He was an avid race car fan from Indy cars to drag racing and especially NASCAR.  If he was not in the grandstands, you could guarantee he would be watching on television.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, wife Violet, brothers Elmer, Peter and Manuel, grandchildren Kari Lee Louise Fletcher and Christopher Martinez, son-in-law Pete Martinez and nephew, Scott Roberts.

Tony is survived by his children Ardeane Eckert (Rodney), Tony Machado Jr. (Marilyn), and Peggi Arnold (Sonny), grandchildren Kim Kelley (Jim), Tony Machado III (Belinda), Kandi Donahoo (Mike), and Francine Martinez, great-grandchildren Alexis, Justin, Nicole, London and Nixon, and great-great-grandchildren, Aaliyah, Layla and Aspen, sisters, Alice Williams and Rose Roberts, sister-in-law, Bonnie Machado and 15 nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service was held on Tuesday, April 4 ^th in the Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery.

Donations may be made to Lompoc Meals on Wheels or a charity of your choice.