Ladislao "Laddie" G. De Lira passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 15, 2013.

Laddie was born June 27, 1926, in Lompoc, California, to Yrineo and Carmen De Lira. He attended Lompoc schools and was drafted in to the U.S. Navy. He was a WWII veteran and served in the South Pacific from 1944-45 aboard a LSM landing ship and participated in the invasion of Okinawa, Marshal Islands, Guam and the Victory over Japan. In 1948 he married Esther Marquez and together they raised four children.

He worked as a barber for 44 years. During his career, he opened his own shop, "The Matador", where he worked until his retirement in 2000.

After his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family and was known by his family for his famous BBQ'S. He was an avid Lakers and Dodgers fan and also enjoyed surf fishing and creating things in his workshop.

Mr. De Lira is survived by his wife of 65 years, Esther M. De Lira, his daughter and son-in-law, Christine De Lira and Larry Muselman of Bullhead City, Arizona, his son and daughter-in-law, Victor (Jane) De Lira of Ojai, his son Anthony De Lira of Orcutt, his son and daughter-in-law, David De Lira and Kathy Steinback of San Francisco, his four grandchildren Jesse (April) De Lira, Becky (Steve) Keele, Alan and Peter De Lira, his three great-grandchildren Nathan De Lira, Ruby De Lira and Elizabeth Keele, his brothers, Cipriano De Lira of Ontario, Aurelio De Lira of Deming, New Mexico, and his sister Mary Lira of Chino, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Yrineo and Carmen De Lira, his brothers, Jose De Lira and John De Lira and his sister, Estefana Gutierrez.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, December 26, from 4-7 p.m. and a rosary at 7 p.m. at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. A mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 27, at La Purisima Catholic Church with burial directly following at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery. Military honors will be rendered by the U.S. Navy and the Lompoc American Legion Post 125.