Lompoc native Manuel Garcia passed away peacefully on December 4th in his home surrounded by loving care. He was born January 21st, 1924, and resided here his entire life. He graduated from Lompoc High School in 1942 and joined the Navy shortly thereafter. He was a proud member of the original "Sea Bees", who were a key part of the Normandy invasion. They marched with the allies building docks and bridges from Omaha Beach to Berlin including ferrying Patton's Army across the Rhine River. His 69th Construction Battalion is remembered to this day as the unit that traveled farther inland than any other in U.S. Naval history. He returned home on the Queen Mary where as a general contractor, he built many Lompoc houses. Using those same skills, he worked for the Lompoc Unified School System, retiring after 30 years. He was a fourth degree Knight of Columbus, boxer, master carpenter, accomplished artist, avid dancer, scout leader, father, and husband of 68 years. He was the last living brother of 7 siblings, and is survived by his wife Consuelo, his son Patrick, and his daughters Teresa and Darlene.

A funeral mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Rev. Lawrence Santos officiating. Vigil services will be held 6 p.m. Monday, December 15 at the chapel of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. Visitation hours will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the mortuary. Burial will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 17th at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery with Navy honors.