Earl Lashmett

Earl G. Lashmett, Jr., died December 22, 2024 at his home in
American Canyon at the age of 93.
Earl was born in Vallejo to Earl and Viola Lashmett, Sr. in 1931. He attended Vallejo schools and
graduated from Vallejo Senior High.
After high school Earl joined the United States Marine Corps where he received his first training
in the highly technical field of demolition. This led to a life-long career as an explosive
technician. At a time when the Interstate freeway system was under construction and large
housing projects were being built throughout the Bay Area, Earl's skills in drilling, blasting and
explosives were much in demand. He earned a reputation for safety and reliability. His career
spanned more than 40 years, during which time he adapted to many changes in the industry.
Well respected in the field, he continued to work as a consultant long after his retirement.
In 1960, Earl married Shirley Conklin, a Vallejo school teacher. It wasn't long after their
marriage that Earl and Shirley moved into their home in American Canyon, where they would
live for their entire lives.
Earl's race cars were his pride and joy. In the 1990s, he owned both a Nisan 300ZX and a 1970
Chevy Chevelle SS. He raced the Chevelle at the Bonniville Salt Flats and it was featured on the
cover of Hot Rod magazine.
A passionate deer hunter, Earl was always on the lookout for the perfect hunting spot and he
found it at the Sonoma Raceway. Located on 1,600 acres of open fields, keeping wild animals
off the raceway was critical for driver safety. Earl was able to combine his love of hunting with a
position as animal control specialist, a valuable service he performed for decades.
Growing up, Earl often visited his aunt and uncle in Nebraska. He did not forget the cute girl
who visited their next-door neighbors. After Shirley's death, Earl reconnected with Joan Phillips;
they were married in 1999.
Earl will be remembered for his independent spirt; he did not hesitate to speak his mind or
stand up for his beliefs. An excellent judge of character, he was a loyal friend and a devoted
husband.
In addition to his wife Joan, Earl is survived by his younger sister, Linda DeOcampo; his
stepchildren Susie Simpson (Bill) of Tennessee and Steve Phillips (Jana) of Missouri; and his
nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held in the future.
Memorial contributions in Earl's name can be made to Holy Family Catholic Church, 200
Antonina Avenue, American Canyon, CA 94503.