Charles William Olmstead, well-known by family and friends as "Butch", passed away on December 17, 2022.  He was 75 years old.

Butch was born on September 4, 1947, in Birmingham, Alabama to Chuck and Midge Olmstead.  At 16, his family moved to Lompoc, CA where he attended Lompoc High School.  Butch loved surfing locally, and he loved playing and listening to music.  Butch was also a very talented artist.

Butch enrolled in the army and served in Vietnam in 1967.  After his service, Butch returned to Lompoc to begin his civilian life.  He went on to have his daughter, Katy, in 1981.   Butch loved to write and contributed numerous articles, including an autobiographical article for the Rolling Stone which earned him special recognition.  Butch was also an advocate for his fellow veterans.  Heavily involved in the founding of the Vietnam Veterans of Lompoc Valley, he was also involved in the development of the Vietnam Veterans memorial structure in River Park.  Butch was an avid car enthusiast and owned a 1949 Mercury which he proudly displayed at local car shows.  His love for music continued throughout his life and he loved playing harmonica as well.  Butch loved the Lord greatly throughout his life and openly witnessed of the Lord's work to many. Butch is now being hugged tight by our Lord Jesus Christ.

Butch is survived by his daughter Katy Kolb Olmstead, his sister Bonnie O'Brien, his brother-in-law Michael O'Brien, his nephew Nathan O'Brien, his niece Sarah Johnson, and great nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at the Starbuck-Lind Mortuary on December 29th, 2022, at 10 am for family and close friends.