Earl K. "E.K." Chenault, Sr., passed away Wednesday, April 27, after a short illness. He was surrounded by his family. Mr. Chenault was a native of Lexington, Kentucky, and a longtime resident of Lompoc and Santa Maria, California.

The younger child and only son of Sanford W. B. and Ida Carter Chenault, Earl confessed a hope in Christ at a young age and became a member of Main Street Baptist Church. He married his childhood sweetheart and embarked on a twenty-six-year career with the United States Air Force.

He leaves to mourn his loss; a son Earl K. Chenault, Jr.; three daughters, Erica K. Ramsey, Earlita K. Chenault, and Elata K. Chenault; a son-in-law, Robert Ramsey; granddaughter Keyisha Chenault Height (Nakia); grandson Bobby Ramsey; great granddaughters, Gabrielle and Gisele Height; sister Mrs. Elizabeth Jane Bryant (Dan); generations of nieces, nephews, and cousins; and the congregation at Grace Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Lompoc, California.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Dorothy Carter Chenault, and by his parents.

The visitation will be Friday, May 6, from 4 to 8 pm at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. The funeral service will be Saturday, May 7, at 9 am at Grace Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Lompoc followed by burial in the Santa Maria Cemetery.