The family of Jose De La Cruz Jr. has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend his final honors, we are privileged to do so.
Jose De La Cruz Jr, 71 years of age. Passed away on August 14, 2022, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by family. Jose was born on September 18, 1950, in Los Angeles, California to the late Jose Sr and Jennie De La Cruz. He was the eldest of six children.
Jose served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era. Medals and awards //Honorable Discharge//Good Conduct// National Defense Service Medal//
Jose retired from Lockheed Martin. Jose and his family moved to Lompoc in 1983, when he was hired by Lockheed. He began his career as a machinist and worked his way up to become an engineer. He retired from Lockheed Martin on April 30, 2015, after 32 years.
Jose had many hobbies that included playing softball, ping-pong, woodworking, any kind of electronics, listening to music, and going to the movies. In his, younger days he was an Eagle Scout, lifeguard, practiced aikido martial arts, was part of the varsity swim team, and boxing. The running joke at home was “Is there anything you haven’t done?” Needless to say, Jose had a lot of wisdom and advice to give.
When his children were growing up, he was heavily involved with their athletic teams. He loved coaching them, regardless of the sport. Their softball and baseball teams were his favorite to coach. Throughout the years, he had many Men’s League Softball teams of his own. He often
had multiple teams going at one time, four to be exact. To say he loved it would be an understatement.
Jose is survived by his beloved wife Alicia De La Cruz of 44 years. Together they have four children Marco De La Cruz, Ursula Fuentes, Melissa Angulo and Jose De La Cruz III. His son-in-law Erasmo Angulo and nine grandchildren. Tori Jimenez, Desiree Jimenez, RJ Fuentes, Champagne, Elijah De La Cruz, Rueben De La Cruz, Sabastian Angulo, Jacob Angulo and Lucas Angulo. His Sister, Gloria Emery, brother-in-law Lou Emery. Brothers, Mike and Carlos De La Cruz. He is preceded in death by his parents Jose Sr. and Jennie De La Cruz, brothers Bobby De La Cruz, Richard De La Cruz and his niece Jennie De La Cruz.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the Hero and his family from the church to the cemetery, approx 2 miles. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
Time Table for Saturday, 20 AUG 22:0830: Stage at Trinity Church of the Nazarene, 500 E. North Ave., Lompoc, CA 93436
https://goo.gl/maps/QbBHQqFnPyPA5FFS70835: Briefing
0840: Flag Line into Church
1100: Flag Line from Church to coach
1115: Accompany Hero and family to Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery, 600 S. C St. Lompoc, Ca, 93436
https://goo.gl/maps/9qV1B6j6tT2WS9dG61130: Arrival at cemetery and Flag Line with full Military Honors
R/C Terry Tatroe
SoCal PGR Ride Captain805-8967764
ttatroe@roadrunner.com
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
