With love and sadness, the Lara family announces the peaceful passing of David Paul Lara, Thursday, June 29, 2023. He was at home in Santa Maria, California, age 71.

David was born in Lompoc California, to Margaret Terrones Lara and Eladio Enriques Lara, both of Lompoc.

At age two, David's family moved to Long Beach, California. He attended John Muir Elementary, Stevens Junior, Long Beach Polytechnic High Schools, and Cal State University Long Beach before joining the United States Army.

David married Irene Leal in 1972 and had two children, David Leal Lara, 50, of Long Beach, and Andrea Lara, 45, of Lompoc. His second marriage to Blanca Lourdes Moreno brought his youngest daughter, Erica June Lara Negrete, 41, of Santa Maria.

David traveled throughout his military career: Turkey, Germany, Panama, Alaska. After 22 years of military service, David was honorably discharged. He attended Long Beach City College to begin his second career as an X-Ray Technician. Another retirement brought David back to the Central Coast, to his home in Santa Maria, moments from Erica and her family.

David enjoyed all sports, played baseball and football since childhood. He participated in golf, bowling, rugby, volleyball, and played 2nd base for the family softball team. He loved fishing, hunting, white water rafting, and playing cards.

David traveled the world, saw beauty in nature, and loved sports. His true passion, though, was his family, friends and acquaintances. His legacy is his ability to make real connections and keep them forever.

Besides his three children, David is survived by his son-in-law Juan Negrete, grandchildren, Isaac, June and Jordan Negrete, Joaquin Lara; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family, who he loved dearly.

We'll always remember Dave, his huge laugh, great stories, and how he made us feel truly special.

The memorial service will be Saturday, July 8, at 10am in the chapel of the Starbuck-Lind Mortuary followed by burial with military honors at the Lompoc Cemetery.