Graveside services for Max A. Van Ausdal, 91, of Lompoc will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at the Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 925 North F St., with Pastor Steve Petty officiating.

Max was born February 16, 1918 in Santaquin, Utah to James and Olevia Larsen Van Ausdal. Max began a military career in 1941 with United States Army Air Forces. After flight training, Max received his wings as a pilot and flew the B-26 Marauder in the European Theater during World War II. During his service, he was stationed at various bases including Florida and Germany, which was the last station before transferring to Vandenberg Air Force Base in 1958. After 27 years of service, he retired from the United States Air Force with the rank of Lt. Colonel in 1968. He continued to work for a few more years with TRW Incorporated and later sold securities. He belonged to the B-26 Marauder 454th Bomb Squadron Association and the Air Force Association. Max enjoyed volunteering his time with the base pharmacy after retirement. His favorite pastimes included golfing, walking, gardening, and supporting the community.

He died Saturday, May 2, 2009 at the Convalescent Care Center.

Survivors (spouses) include his wife of nearly 70 years, Louisa Van Ausdal of Lompoc, brother, Jay (Phyllis) Peterson of Santaquin; special nieces, Charlotte (Russell) Vann of Indialantic, Florida, and Joan (Chirl) Pettro of Mesquite, Nevada and numerous other relatives.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Lompoc Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 883, Lompoc 93438.