John Clancy of Lompoc died peacefully on Friday, Nov. 4, 2016 with his devoted wife Connie at his side after a long battle of Alzheimer's. John was born Nov. 18, 1948 in Grass Valley, CA. Born into a Navy family, they moved around a lot including Japan where he learned to speak Japanese at a very early age. Before settling in Lompoc in 1960, he and his family lived in Stanton, CA where he developed his love for Disney and a fondness of Mickey Mouse walking regularly to Disneyland. The family moved to Lompoc in 1960 where John was a 1967 graduate of Lompoc High School. He served with the United States Navy from 1968 to 1972 where he was assigned to the Kearsarge Aircraft Carrier off the shore of Viet Nam. He also served on the USS Ray and USS Compass Island in the submarine division. John worked various jobs before his 20-year career with the U.S. Bureau of Prisons retiring in 2006. During that time, he was a supervisor with the Prison Industries Division in Sheridan, OR, Taft and Lompoc.
A 35-year member of the Lompoc Elks Lodge #2274 and founding member and past president of the Lompoc Valley Festival Association where he committed many hours to the community event for which he felt so deeply. He could be found from sunup until sundown in the park or on the parade route with his yellow jacket and Festival hat. John also gave many hours to the Lompoc Hospital Foundation with their fundraising activities.
A hard worker, John was frequently a helping hand to many who needed his talents - a true friend in need. He was also known for his quick wit and sense of humor. And those who knew his characterization of "Ivana Laya" were often surprised when they were suddenly visited by this fun-loving individual!
Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Connie; mother, Alberta Mae "Donna" Dixon of Lompoc; children, Ray (Tammy) Clancy of Ft. Worth, TX, Shauna Clancy, Jackie Lane White and Brad (April) Lane all of Lompoc; sisters, Joyce Schaper of Yorba Linda, CA, Colleen Crisp of Spartanburg, SC and Erin Scott of Buena Park, CA; brothers, Pat Clancy of Petaluma, CA and Wayne Dixon of L.A. County; step-brothers, Tim and Lee Dixon; 12 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his father, Tom Clancy and his loving grandparents, Harry A. and Clara "Bertie" Kamman.
Memorial services will be held 11:30 a.m. Thursday, November 17, 2016 at Trinity Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Doug Conley officiating. Reception will follow at Lompoc Elks Lodge #2274. The family has requested any memorial contributions be made to Valley Haven Day Care, Lompoc Hospital Foundation, Wilshire Hospice or the Alzheimer's Association.