Lou Lingo will be missed

Pictured above, the casket carrying Lou Lingo rests while members of the family, friends, students, and community members pause to remember Lou Lingo's accomplishments with the Band program at the Santa Paula Elementary School District. The funeral was held at the Pierce Brothers Santa Paula Cemetery Thursday morning. Pre-service music was played by Paul Browne, procession by Bill Boettecher and the opening prayer by Dr. Leonard DeWitt. Testimony was given by James Medina and Dr. Luis Villegas. A message was delivered by Rev. Mark Holmen. Pallbearers were David Lingo, Royce Ollenburger, Dr. David Stegman, Bryan Scofield, Jim Thrift, and Ed Eberhard. Left, James Medina reads letters written by students telling his family what a wonderful person Lou Lingo was and how he touched their lives. Lou Lingo was born March 21, 1945 and joined his heavenly father December 11, 2004. A memorial service was held at the Ventura Missionary Church Thursday afternoon. The family asks that any donations be sent to either the Isbell Band Fund, Santa Paula Elementary School District, 221 S. Steckel, Santa Paula or the Ventura Missionary Church Music Fund, 500 High Point Dr, Ventura, 93003. Musicians from throughout the Santa Paula Elementary School District performed Wednesday night in the Isbell Cafeteria in a Winter Band Concert dedicated to the memory of Band Director Lou Lingo. Drum Major Francisco Marquez, Isbell 8th grader, led the student musicians. The program featured students in the Isbell Jazz Band, the Isbell Advanced and Intermediate Bands, and the Elementary Beginning Band. Isbell Principal Fernando Rivera welcomed the audience, and Fernando Marquez gave a few words on behalf of the Isbell Band. Closing thoughts by Santa Paula High School Band Director Ed Roina ended the evening. Bottom photo shows members of the Band playing one of the many tunes Wednesday evening. In the background is the “ Mr. Lingo’s Wall of Happiness.” Students left messages to Mr. Lingo.Photos by Don Johnson