Arlen W. Sechrest (80) passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, October 30th, 2016 surrounded by his loved ones.

Arlen, a proud Lompoc Native, was born April 3rd, 1936 to Evans "Gyp" and Adelaide Sechrest. One of four children, Arlen will be remembered as a loving, kind and gentle man who took pride in everything he did.

A Lompoc Union High School graduate with the class of 1954, found his love for the automotive industry at his first job while working for Hobbs Brothers. Following his time at Hobbs Brothers, Arlen went on to work briefly for Johns Manville then continued growing his passion for automotive work at Ruffner and Schuyler.

In 1956, Arlen met and fell in love with Lyla, at Refugio beach and married shortly after on October 12th, 1958. Following their marriage, Arlen and Lyla had three children Cindy, Todd, and Lyle. In the mid to late 60's Arlen opened his own automotive shops, The Muffler Shop and Arlen's National Auto Glass where he grew his love and passion for automotive work and the Lompoc community. After selling The Muffler Shop in 1999, Arlen focused on auto glass repair until he retired in 2007.

After retiring Arlen found a new passion and sought out to address the community's need for recreational facilities by serving as an avid member on the Lompoc Parks and Recreation commission from 2010 to 2015. In his spare time, he enjoyed traveling with his wife as well as attending his grandchildren's sporting events. Many describe Arlen as an honest, patient, and friendly spirit. He adored and cared for children, and could make anyone smile with a simple wink.

Arlen will be lovingly remembered by his wife Lyla Sechrest, three children Cindy Simon, Todd Sechrest (Dawn), and Lyle Sechrest (Luda); his siblings Neva Jean Smith (Danny) and Melinda Bell (Gary); his grandchildren Jeramy Pippins (Cindy), Jason Pippins, Kayla Simon (Peter Sanchez), Casey Simon , Todd Arlen, Melissa and Carisma Sechrest, Brittney, Megan (Stefan) and Hope Sechrest; his great-grandchildren Raven Cato (James), Shylee Pippins, Erica Davis, Zoey Pippins and Emily Sechrest; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Arlen was preceded in death by his parents Evans and Adelaide Sechrest; his brother Evans Edwards Sechrest; his son-in-law Clay Simon.

A Celebration of Life & BBQ will take place at Schuyler's River Bottom Ranch, 1330 Barton Ave Lompoc, CA 93436, on Saturday, November 19th at 2pm. Side dish welcome.

To donate in spirit of Arlen's 80 years of life and service with the Lompoc community, please see the Lompoc Parks and Recreation dept, or Lompoc Historical Society.