Cecil Leroy (Gayelord) Ohl

Cecil Leroy (Gayelord) Ohl was born in Manchester, Oklahoma on July 16, 1923 and left this world on September 30, 2008. His parents were Leo Ohl and Mildred (Chapin) Ohl and his family included a sister Ludean, and two brothers, Willis and James. The family survived together through the Great Depression and the infamous Dust Bowl in Oklahoma. The adversities of his early years helped Cecil to become the kind hearted person that has been his reputation for 85 years.

Cecil was an enlisted member of the Army Air Corps during World War II and served his country until 1946 as a sheet-metal worker, helping to develop and maintain B-29’s. At the end of the war he settled in San Bernardino where he continued working on aircraft for the Air Force. He moved to Lompoc in 1960 after he was selected to help establish the first ballistic missile operations at Vandenberg AFB. He retired in 1979 after 30 years service to his country and had many happy years of retirement with his wife Jean.

Cecil was a long-time member of the Lompoc Elks Lodge #2274 as well as a proud member of the Vaqueros where he became a Viejo in his later years. He was well loved by friends, family, and community where he was considered an honorable gentleman who dedicated his life to helping other people.

Cecil is survived by his cherished wife of 33 years, Jean Hayes Ohl, two daughters Edrie Ohl and Jacque Ohl-Trlica (Lee), step-children Josie Manos (Mitch), Dennis Hayes, Tom Hayes (Lisa), and Jerry Hayes (Terry), grandchildren John Mielke Sr., Andrew Trlica, Chad Ohl-Trlica, Marissa Hayes, Alex Fox, Craig Murray, Tommy Hayes, and great-grandchildren John Mielke Jr., and Benjamin Cecil Mielke.

Cecil was pre-deceased by his step-daughter, Mary Hayes Fox.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, October 3rd at Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 3495 Rucker Rd., in Lompoc followed by a celebration of his life at the Lompoc Elks Lodge, 905 E. Ocean, also in Lompoc. In the spirit of Cecil’s wishes, no flowers please. Call a loved one, hug a friend, or contribute to your favorite charity in his name.

We will miss you, Daddy. You taught us how to walk the right paths in life, and we are forever grateful for the time we had together.