Was born in Santa Barbara at Cottage Hospital 9-30-30. He was the 7th generation of his family born and raised in Santa Barbara. Art’s Grand father 7 generations ago came from a small village in Sinaloa Mexico and was one of 38 people to found this great city along with Junipero Serra and governor Neve. They built the Presidio in 1778 and later the Santa Barbara Mission.
Art was a member of the Los Descendientes (decedents) of Santa Barbara. He attended Santa Barbara High School met and married Barbara Brown also of Santa Barbara on May 11, 1948. He joined the navy and was a Korean War Veteran seeing many battles at sea. Every night a bomber known as bed check Charlie would make runs at his ships the Princeton and the Yorktown where he was a flight mechanic on deck.
Art and Barbara had four sons Layne, Mark, Craig and Matthew (Todd). Mathew preceded his father passing at the age of 49. Art was transferred to Point Mugu after the war where he continued to work As a civilian for the Navy Department. He was a guided missile tester and boat captain.
Art was the president of the Hueneme High School Booster Club in 1969 and was solely responsible for the construction of the very first football stadium complete with lights. Art was also a very accomplished baseball coach at C.B.C. junior Baseball League. He loved the ocean and his family continues that legacy. Art passed on July 15, 2013 after recovering from two separate strokes dating back to 2,000.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years Barbara Makela. Brother Buddy Makela. Sons Layne, Mark and Craig Makela. Grandsons Nathan, Richard, Jason, Adam Grand daughters Kaylee, Jenny. Great Grandchildren Kaea, Taylor, Dillon, Violet, Christopher. Services will be held at the Santa Barbara Sea Landing boarding the Condor at 3:00 P.M. on August 17th, 2013. All are welcome and food and drinks will be served. We will miss you Dad.
