Sarvous "Sam" Blocker, a resident of Lompoc, passed away June 7, 2017 after a seven year battle with lung cancer.
Sarvous was born January 30, 1936 in Garland County, Arkansas. In the early fifties he accepted an invitation from his brother, Alvin, to move to California, where he met his future wife, Nancy Sumnicht from Salt Lake City, Utah. They were wed June 30, 1956.
In 1958, he began his career in the aerospace industry at VAFB and was involved in nearly every aspect of the missile launch operations. For 40 years and 8 months, Sarvous enjoyed the challenges and camaraderie he and his fellow team members faced. The company names changed from Convair, General Dynamics, Martin Marietta and Lockheed but his love for mission critical operations and team problem solving remained constant.
Through his hard work, reliability, and people skills Sarvous was trusted to first represent the United Aerospace Workers and Machinist Union and later, the Company, during times of critical negotiations.
Sarvous is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Nancy, sons Kelvin (Deena) of Lompoc, Keith (Susan) of Lompoc, Kyle (Kelli) of Lafayette, CA and daughter Kari Orozco (Fernando) of Vacaville, CA, 11 grandchildren and two great grandsons; sister, Vonise Meredith of Hot Springs, Arkansas, sister, Genell Johnson, of Jessieville, Arkansas, and brother, Alvin, Blocker (Marcell), of Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Sarvous will be remembered for his love of conversation and the fact that he never met a stranger, and was happiest when surrounded by his extended family. He will be forever missed, but never forgotten.
Graveside Services will be held June 21, 2017, 10 am at Lompoc Cemetery. Celebration of Life to immediately follow at Schuylers, 1209 East Barton Avenue, Lompoc, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.