Jose De La Cruz Jr, 71 years of age. Passed away on August 14, 2022, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by family.

Jose was born on September 18, 1950, in Los Angeles, California to the late Jose Sr and Jennie De La Cruz. He was the eldest of six children. Jose served in the United States Army and retired from Lockheed Martin. Jose and his family moved to Lompoc in 1983, when he was hired by Lockheed. He began his career as a machinist and worked his way up to become an engineer. He retired from Lockheed Martin on April 30, 2015, after 32 years.

Jose had many hobbies that included playing softball, ping-pong, woodworking, any kind of electronics, listening to music, and going to the movies. In his, younger days he was an Eagle Scout, lifeguard, practiced aikido martial arts, was part of the varsity swim team, and boxing. The
running joke at home was "Is there anything you haven't done?" Needless to say, Jose had a lot of wisdom and advice to give.

When his children were growing up, he was heavily involved with their athletic teams. He loved coaching them, regardless of the sport. Their softball and baseball teams were his favorite to coach. Throughout the years, he had many Men's League Softball teams of his own. He often
had multiple teams going at one time, four to be exact. To say he loved it would be an understatement.

Jose is survived by his beloved wife Alicia De La Cruz of 44 years. Together they have four children Marco De La Cruz, Ursula Fuentes, Melissa Angulo and Jose De La Cruz III. His son-in-law Erasmo Angulo and nine grandchildren. Tori Jimenez, Desiree Jimenez, RJ Fuentes, Champagne, Elijah De La Cruz, Rueben De La Cruz, Sabastian Angulo, Jacob Angulo and Lucas Angulo. His Sister, Gloria Emery, brother-in-law Lou Emery. Brothers, Mike and Carlos De La Cruz. He is preceded in death by his parents Jose Sr. and Jennie De La Cruz, brothers Bobby De La Cruz, Richard De La Cruz and his niece Jennie De La Cruz.

Services for Jose will be Saturday, August 20, 2022. 8 am– 9 am open casket viewing followed by funeral service 9:30 am – 11 pm at Trinity Church of the Nazarene, 500 E. North Ave., Lompoc, CA 93436. 11 am – 12 pm, burial at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery, 600 S. C St. Reception
immediately following burial at Lompoc Elks Lodge, 905 E. Ocean Ave.