Longtime Lompoc resident Howard William Kimelman, Sr. passed away at the age of 80 on Sept. 29th at his home peacefully with family surrounding him with love. Howard enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952 in McKeesport, PA and served 20 years as the Director of Recreation. He was stationed at VAFB in 1968 and retired in 1972 with honors as a Technical Sergeant. After his military career, he went to work as a manager of McDonalds and Wendy's restaurant for many years and finally as a security guard at VAFB SLC-4 until he retired. He married his high school sweetheart Gloria in 1954, and they were married for 55 years. He was a diehard Pittsburgh Steelers fan and loved to watch sports. His daily breakfast at Toms was the highlight of each and every day.

He is survived by his sister Marian Helton; daughter Cynthia (Mike) Bonnell; granddaughters Dawn (Chava) Quintero, Deena (Nick) Condon, Kristen (Jeremy) Woodie, Ashlee Weber and Jennifer Kimelman; six great-grandchildren and his nieces and nephews. Howard was preceded in death by sister Doris, wife Gloria, daughter Jayne, and son Howard Jr.
Visitation hours will be Monday, Oct. 7 from 4 to 8 pm at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. Burial will be 1 p.m. Weds. Oct. 9 at 1pm at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery with military honors. A celebration of life will be held after the burial.