Robert Wayne Ferrell, age 75, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2015, with friends by his bedside. A native of Danville, KY, he was born on March 18, 1940. He entered the United States Air Force in 1958 and retired in 1979 after 21 years of service from the 1369th Audio Visual Squadron, Vandenberg AFB, CA as an Audiovisual Media Technician.

Bob became very active in Lompoc since arriving in 1974 while he worked for Civil Service at Vandenberg AFB, retiring once more in 2002 with 21 years Civil Service. He was a member of the Lompoc Flower Association since 1985 working in almost every capacity in the organization. He served as Chairman from 1989 to 1992 and became president in 2007. He served on the Board of Directors from 1994-2010. He also served as Lompoc's Festival Chairman in 2001 and 2002 and again in 2004 to 2011. As Lompoc's summers are the busiest, Bob was also the Spring Arts Festival Chairman 1997-2007 and Park Chairman for 11 years.

In appreciation for his total commitment to Lompoc's many activities, the City of Lompoc passed Resolution No. 5068(3) honoring Bob for his service to the Lompoc Valley Festival Association and the Lompoc Community. His service was rewarded by the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau for his contributions to the promotion and development of tourism of the Lompoc Valley. During the Arbor Day Celebration, Bob was also honored as an individual who contributed significantly to the enrichment of his community. A tree was planted in his name as an honoree in the Recognition Grove in Beattie Park. The ceremony is a way in which the community can say a special thank you to those who have done so much to improve quality of life in the Lompoc Community. Because of Bob's history of involvement and dedication to Lompoc's Arts and Festivals, he was selected as the Grand Marshall for the Lompoc Festival Parade in 2010. Bob survived his battle with cancer long enough to see the Flower Festival, which was dear to his heart, open one last time on Wednesday, June 24, 2015.

Bob just never stopped working. Over a span of 16 years, he was also the Vandenberg AFB, Base Theater supervisor and projectionist ensuring the show would go on. Bob wasn't done yet. All during these years, he was also the Whistle Stop Bar Manager and electrical/mechanical guru for over 25 years. Bob and Rocky, the whistle Stop owner, were each other's best friends and he was dedicated to her business success. Rest in Peace Bob. We love you and will miss you forever, and we know you will always look for something else to keep you busy. Bob was a member of the American Legion Post #125, the Elks Lodge #2274 and the Moose Lodge #1036 for which he was also the Lodge Administrator.

He is survived by his sister Judy Kay Owens of DeLand, FL; his brother Hugh Franklin Ferrell of Mims, FL; a son Vernon Ferrell of Franklin, OH and his niece Tammy Morton of Williston, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents Hugh and Wilma Ferrell; son Jeffrey Allen Ferrell; and sisters Joan Byrume and Jeannie Morton. We would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to Dignity Health Hospice of Santa Maria for the care and services they provided Bob. A very special thank you to Toni Moncada who provided special care for Bob and gave comfort to us all.
In lieu of flowers you may make a contribution in the name of Robert W. Ferrell to Dignity Health Hospice, 124 S. College Dr., Santa Maria, CA 93454 or a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary with burial services at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery with full military honors on Tuesday, July 7, 2015, at 1 pm. Family and friends are invited to the Whistle Stop Bar & Grill in Bob's honor immediately following burial services.