Edwin Staunton Betts - 01/01/1953 to 08/30/2023

Edwin "Ed" Staunton Betts, of Lompoc, CA passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack on August 30, 2023, at the age of 70.  Born to Richard and Gala (Stuart) Betts in Lompoc, CA on January 1, 1953.  Ed attended Cabrillo High School before enlisting in the US Army in 1973 with the 82nd Airborne.  Ed also served his county as a DoD welder fabricator for over 17 years. Ed loved what he did and his passion for his work was recognized by his numerous accolades.

Ed married his sweetheart Diane "Marge" (Cody) in 1978. Together they raised two amazing children, Aaron and Cora Renee.

Ed enjoyed camping with his loved ones.  Loved to ride his motorcycle with his bar-to-bar buddies.  He always had a fist bump and joke to share. He had the most infectious laugh.  Ed was also known to many as Papa and Dad. He was the epitome of love.  He always had a kind wise and encouraging word for any problem his loved ones had.  He loved doing yoga and attending football games with his "favorite daughters".  He loved playing his guitar and playing cards with his close friends. His family and friends knew that if help was ever needed he was always just a phone call away.

Ed is survived by his wife Diane "Marge", his son Aaron Zimmerman, daughter Cora (Justin) Philley. His grandchildren – Amber (Kevin) Calderon and Grayson Zimmerman.  Great grandchildren – Kali and Klay Calderon. Brother and sisters – Sandra (Dan) Fletcher, Jerome Betts, Thyra Watanbe, Paula Carter and Tressa (Steven) Holt.  Sister-in-law – Nancy (Pete) Sinfuego and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a Celebration of Life with Military honors on September 14th @ noon, service @ 12:30pm at the Lompoc Veterans Memorial Building.  There will be a potluck lunch, please bring your favorite dish to share.  Come share your stories and memories of Ed.  The family wants to encourage those who ride motorcycles to ride to the celebration.

The loss of Ed, Dad, Papa, has left a huge hole in many hearts. His bright light will be missed but those he loved will be the light in his honor.