Lompoc native and longtime resident Gene Friis, 87, was born May 27, 1928. Gene attended local schools and was a graduate of Lompoc High School class of 1946. Shortly after graduation, Gene enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II and served until his honorable discharge in 1949. At that time, he was placed on Naval Reserve status until 1956. In that same year, Gene joined the U.S. Army Reserves and after 21 years of service, he retired with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3. He went on to work for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and retired as a purchasing agent after 30 years. He had also worked in food services for the Unified School District from 1978 to 1988. Gene was a member of the First United Methodist Church, and belonged to the Lompoc Grange, Lompoc High School Alumni Association, Lompoc Valley Historical and Pioneer Association, Military Order of World Wars, Reserve Officer Association, and Retired Federal Prison Employees Association.

Gene died Friday, June 12, 2015 at the Meridian of Lompoc.

Survivors include daughter Sarah Wagoner of Lompoc; sisters Haraldine Domingos and Joansine Patton both of Walla Walla, Washington; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Lorraine Friis; daughter Kathy Bland; and brothers Karl Friis and Christian Friis.

Graveside services will be 11 am on Monday, June 22, 2015 at the Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 925 North F Street, Lompoc 93436 or a charity of choice.