The PRG has been invited by the family to honor their Hero and it is our Privilege to do so.
Edwin “Ed” Staunton Betts of Lompoc, CA passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack on August 30, 2023, at the age of 70. He worn to Richard and Gala (Stuart) Betts in Lompoc, CA on January 1, 1953. Ed attended Cabrillo High School before enlisting in the US Army in 1973 with the 82nd Airborne. Edwin served for two years in the US Army Awards and was awarded an Honorable Discharge, Good Conduct Medal, 82nd Airborne Badge, and National Defense Service Medal.
Ed also served his county as a DoD welder fabricator for over 17 years. Ed loved what he did and his passion for his work was recognized by his numerous accolades.
Ed married his sweetheart Diane “Marge” (Cody) in 1978. Together they raised two amazing children, Aaron and Cora Renee.
Ed enjoyed camping with his loved ones. Loved riding his motorcycle with his bar-to-bar buddies. He always had a fist bump and jokes to share. He had the most infectious laugh. Ed was also known to many as Papa and Dad. He was the epitome of love. He always had a kind, wise and encouraging word for any problem his loved ones had. He loved doing yoga and attending football games with his “favorite daughters.” He loved playing his guitar and playing cards with his close friends. His family and friends knew that if help was ever needed he was always just a phone call away.
Ed is survived by his wife, Diane “Marge,” his son, Aaron Zimmerman, and daughter, Cora (Justin) Philley. He is also survived by his grandchildren - Amber (Kevin) Calderon and Grayson Zimmerman; great-grandchildren – Kali and Klay Calderon; and brother and sisters – Sandra (Dan) Fletcher, Jerome Betts, Thyra Watanbe, Paula Carter and Tressa (Steven) Holt, as well as sister-in-law – Nancy (Pete) Sinfuego and numerous nieces and nephews.
There will be a Celebration of Life with military honors on September 14th @ noon, service @ 12:30 pm at the Lompoc Veterans Memorial Building. There will be a potluck lunch. Please bring your favorite dish to share. Come share your stories and memories of Ed. The family wants to encourage those who ride motorcycles to ride to the celebration.
The loss of Ed, Dad, Papa, has left a huge hole in many hearts. His bright light will be missed but those he loved will be the light in his honor.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, please see the timetable if you would like to participate.
TIMETABLE FOR 14 SEPTEMBER 2023:1100 - Stage at American Legion Post 211 636 N. H .Lompoc Ca 93436
https://goo.gl/maps/JDNgNjv44HuQCBqV91115 - Mission Briefing
11:30 - KSU to accompany Hero on His Last Motorcycle Ride to Lompoc Veterans Memorial Building, 100 E. Locust Ave, Lompoc 93436
https://goo.gl/maps/PV5YdmRf8K7fLvS3A1145 - Flag line as our hero is brought into the building for full Military Honors.
In Honor
RC
John Archuleta (Milkshake)ALR 26 Bakersfield
PGR Assistant State Captain So.Central Ca.
US Army 62/65
(805) 441-8506
45jarchuleta@gmail.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 is your first mission, go to the initial staging area, and you will be briefed by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or wear casual attire while driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent with honor and respect for our Heroes—no talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line.
