Herbert Bolton

Herbert L. Bolton

Apr 25, 1940 - Oct 4, 2025

Herbert Bolton was born on the Buffalo Valley Ranch, Chavez, Co New Mexico. He was the sixth of eight children born to William E Bolton and Jocie L Worley. He lived on the ranch until 1947 when they moved to CA. Herb graduated from Le Grand High School then attended college as an agricultural major. Herb married his high school sweetheart in 1958 they were married for 67 years and had three children.

Herb was a service oriented person, he was a Santa Maria City Fire Fighter for 11 years. He was instrumental in forming the Local 2020 of the IAFF, as well as convincing the Santa Barbara Co Fire Fighters to unionize. Herb was very proud of the Fire Dept. and enjoyed knowing the current members. He was active in the establishment of the Alvin Newton Memorial.

Herb worked in aerospace for Martin Marietta, and was most proud of his part of the Return to Flight after the Challenger incident. He worked on Sc out, Thor MX and Delta launches on Vandenberg AFB.

Herb volunteered for morning yard duty at St. Mary's school. He coached sports teams in track and football at St. Joseph's, St. Mary's and Orcutt Jr. High schools. He worked as a Boy Scout Leader in Santa Maria and Katy, TX. As a grandparent he transported track and water polo teams to competitions and attended meets. Herbert was an avid fisherman, deep sea fishing with his family was his favorite. He fished in Alaska, Mexico, Canada and Sweden, as well as many of the national parks. Herb and Jean travelled often, the Galapagos Islands and Greek Isles and the Azores were their favorite trips.

Herb was predeceased by his beloved son Patrick, his parents, 2 sisters and 3 brothers. He is survived by his wife Jeanne Earl, his son Mike and wife Lisa, his daughter Beth, husband Don and granddaughter Shelley, grandson Alex, wife sara and much loved great grandson Patrick. His brothers Rusty and Royce and many nieces and nephews also survived him.

Graveside services are at 11:00 Friday Oct 17, 2025 in the original section of the Santa Maria Cemetery; with a celebration of life at 12:00 at Fire Station #5 at the corner of Donovan and Suey Rd. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Patrick Bolton Memorial Scholarship at St. Joseph's High School.

Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.