Sarvous Blocker

LOMPOC, Calif. — Sarvous “Sam” Blocker, a resident of Lompoc, Calif., passed away June 7, 2017, after a seven-year battle with lung cancer.

Sarvous was born Jan. 30, 1936, in Garland County. In the early ’50s, he accepted an invitation from his brother, Alvin, to move to California, where he met his future wife, Nancy Sumnicht, from Salt Lake City. 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, Calif., Keith (Susan), of Lompoc, Calif., Kyle (Kelli), of Lafayette, Calif.; daughter, Kari Orozco (Fernando), of Vacaville, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandsons; sisters, Vonise Meredith, of Hot Springs, Genell Johnson, of Jessieville; and brother, Alvin Blocker (Marcell), of Hot Springs.

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 at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Lompoc Cemetery. Celebration of life to immediately follow at Schuylers, 1209 E. Barton Ave., Lompoc, Calif.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.