A memorial tribute honoring the life of Bill M. Matthew, 89, of Lompoc, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 1, 2009, at the Lompoc Church of Christ, 138 North O Street.

Mr. Matthew was born December 17, 1919, in Hughson, California, to Richard and Lena Matthew. After graduating from high school in Modesto, California, he entered mechanical aeronautics school. During World War II, he joined the Navy but immediately received a medical discharge. He then went to Los Angeles and worked as an onboard flight mechanic. In 1948, he met the love of his life, Helen Byers, and married her six weeks later. He moved to Lompoc in 1961 to work in the aerospace industry as a mechanic. The last 20 years of his career were spent working for Stearns Rogers Corporation as a construction superintendent where he was given many safety awards and honored and respected for his hard work and dedication.

Bill was a member of the American Legion and an active member of the Lompoc Elks Lodge. He enjoyed road trips, golfing, gardening, bowling, playing cards, John Wayne movies and Louis L' amour books, and in his younger years, motorcycle and airplane rides. His family and friends will remember him for his strong work ethic, friendly personality and devotion and generosity to his wife and family.

He died Thursday July 23, 2009, at his home.

Survivors include his daughters, Luanne Gray of San Jose and Vikki McGee of Lompoc; sons, Michael Matthew of San Francisco and Steve Matthew of Lompoc; niece, Maryann Jorgensen of Burbank; five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Helen Matthew.

Cremation arrangements are in the care of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary.