With family members with him, Robert Earl Matlack passed away on Monday, May 21, 2012. He had recently suffered injuries from a fall. Robert, known as Bob, was 86 years old.
Bob will be deeply missed by his children Peggy Ussery of Pacifica, California and Dean Matlack and wife Barbara of Melbourne, Florida. Grandchildren include Stephanie Orozco, Tim Matlack and his wife Lori, and Cynthia Ussery. Great grandchildren are Donald Cooper, Marissa Matlack, Alicia Orozco, Erik Matlack, Robert Cooper and Aiden Velasco. His wife, Lucille, and granddaughter, Leslie, preceded him in death.
Bob was born July 1, 1925 8 miles west of Tulare, California. He and his five older siblings spent their early years living in the Sierra foothills and Tulare. He moved to Lompoc as a teenager and attended Lompoc High School until he tried to enlist during World War II. Too young for the military, he joined the Merchant Marines by embellishing his age. After his ship was commissioned into the Navy Robert and Lucille eloped during his leave on October 9, 1945. After the war ended Bob returned to Lompoc and worked at John-Mansville until his retirement. Bob and Lucille enjoyed travelling in their fifth wheeler with friends and families. Bob was very active in Boy Scouts and the Chemical Workers Union. He also helped build and drive many Flower Festival floats through the years.
At Bob's request there will not be a funeral or memorial service. The family asks that any memorial donations be made to local Hospice organizations.