Ervin Toler

April 26, 1923-March 17, 2018

Ervin Toler, 94, passed away March 17, 2018, due to complications from dementia.

Born in West Virginia, his youth was spent in California, Kentucky, and Ohio. In Ohio, he worked making furniture and built aircraft at WACO Aircraft Company. During World War II, he joined the Army Air Corp, predecessor to the Air Force which became a career. He worked with many aircraft including gliders, and as the second pilot on the P-51 Mustangs taking them across the US. In addition to his aircraft mechanic license, he was a flight engineer and served on the B-29, B-36, and the KC97 with the 44thn Air Refueling Squadron and after the squadron disbanned, until the air platform was decommissioned. Retiring after 30 years in the military, he went to work for Lompoc Unified School District as a custodian at Hapgood School, finishing his career with the school district in the maintenance department.

Ervin enjoyed woodworking, building, fishing, camping, hunting, along with taking his children and grandchildren to air shows. One of his favorite pastimes was watching old westerns on television.

He is survived by his wife of 74 years Jacqueline (Jackie), daughters Nada Green, Dawn Hendricks (Tom), and brother Roger Toler (Deb), grandchildren Charlie Toler (Cheryl), Hayley Toler, Tom Green (Stacy), TJ Hendricks (Laura) and great-granddaughter Chase Anne Toler. Ervin was preceded in death by his son Dale Toler, his parents, four sisters and two brothers.

At his request, there will be no services and he will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington DC at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to Lompoc Meals on Wheels or a charity of your choice.