Leopoldo Daryl Aragon passed away on January 4, 2024, at the age of 63.  He was born in Grants, New Mexico, to Leopoldo and Marian Aragon of Lompoc, California.  Daryl, his preferred name, graduated from Lompoc High School in 1978.   In 1978, Daryl's popularity led him to be the first-ever Homecoming male Monarch/King in California history, if not the entire USA.  After 1978, all high schools began to switch to Homecoming King and Queen. To this day, many of his friends still refer to him as "King Leo".   Leo loved sports, beginning youth football, baseball, and wrestling at age 8. He became an exceptional wrestler at Lompoc High School, competing deep into the CIF rankings and later accepting a scholarship to San Jose State University.  He later changed his career path and decided to attend ITT Technical Institute where he graduated with a degree in Electronic Engineering Technology in 1983.  During this period, he married Martha Bendimez and they had a son named Leo Vincent.  Daryl spent the next 36 years employed by the Western Range contractor at VAFB/VSFB serving in multiple technical disciplines related to electronic testing.

Daryl was an avid die-hard fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers and seldom missed a game on TV.  He loved traveling to Dodger Stadium as often as possible to watch his favorite team in person.  His 2nd favorite team was the Dallas Cowboys where he could remember players going back to the 1960s.

Daryl enjoyed spending time with his family and friends reminiscing about the good old times.  His favorite family event was the backyard barbecue where he resonated with anyone in his presence.  He didn't cook but was a master of conversation with everyone.  He always liked having friends over to socialize.  No matter where he went, sparking up a conversation with people was his forte and he did it was ease.

Daryl is survived by his parents, Leopoldo and Marian; his only son Vincent; grandson Mason; granddaughter Aundrea; brothers David and Paul; Sister Cathy; sisters-in-law Raquel and Janet.  Daryl is also survived by several uncles, aunts, nephews, and nieces.  He is preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents- Victor, Sylvia, Bessie, and Ezekiel.

Funeral services will be held with a rosary at Starbucks Mortuary on Monday January 15 at 7pm with a Catholic mass on Tuesday January 16th at 10am at La Purisima Catholic Church in Lompoc.  A reception will be held at the Lompoc Elks Lodge from 2pm to 5pm on January 16, 2024.