Earl Willard Boga, 87, of Lompoc passed away on Sunday, September 13 in Oxnard, California.

Earl was born in St. Louis, Missouri on March 9, 1922 to Augustus and Alma Boga. He lived in St. Louis until he joining the United States military, serving in the segregated Black Army, before joining the U.S. Air Force. Earl served during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. During his 30 years of service, he would earn numerous service medals, before retiring.

While in the Air Force, Earl met and married Velma Seward. The two were married for 50 years until she passed away in 2005. Earl belonged to the American Legion and Veteran's of Foreign Wars in Lompoc. His hobbies included boxing and golfing.

Earl is survived by his and Velma's only daughter, Claudia Boga of Lompoc, grandsons, Larry McMorris II and Marcus McMorris both of Santa Maria, nephews, Gerald L. Boga, Sr. of Los Angeles, and Gary Boga Sr. of Arkadelphia, AK, niece Tammy Boga of Los Angeles and sister-in-law Dorothy Boga or Arkadelphia, as well as four great-nephews and two great nieces. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and brother, Augustus Boga, Jr.

A viewing will be held at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary Chapel on Friday, September 18 from 4 to 7pm, followed by cremation. A graveside funeral service with military honors will be held at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery on Tuesday, September 22 at 2pm. Rev. Willie Armstead will be presiding over the service.