Herman L. Stubblefield

Herman Lamar Stubblefield, 80, of Santa Maria, CA passed away on March 30, 2023.

Known as ‘Stubby’ he was born in San Luis Obispo, CA on January 9, 1943, and grew up and attended schools in Santa Barbara. After high school, Stubby served 4 years in the Air Force as an Air Policeman, a precursor to what would become his lifelong career.

Once he completed his military service, he took law enforcement classes at Moorpark College and Allan Hancock College. He also worked in private security.

Stubby started his law enforcement career with the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office on June 15, 1966. During his time with the Sheriff’s Office, he worked in patrol and was part of a unit that worked on horseback in the mountains. He also took part in the training of a Reserve Academy and worked with Explorer Scouts. During his time in Santa Barbara he was a recipient of the H. Thomas Guerry Award. In 1976 he took on a new assignment as a resident deputy at the New Cuyama Station, which he did for the next 11 years. He then transferred to the Marshal’s Office in Santa Maria in 1987. Stubby retired in 1991 and worked security jobs at Neverland Ranch and the Chumash Casino.

When the Marshal’s Office was absorbed into the Sheriff’s Office in 1995, he continued working as a reserve deputy as a part-time bailiff in the courts.

Stubby loved his work in law enforcement, motorcycles, and the U.S. Marine Corps. He always had a Harley, coached youth football, and joined the Marine Corps Reserves where he served in a Recon Unit for several years until a knee injury forced him to retire. After retirement, he was active in the Marine Corps League in Santa Maria.

Stubby is survived by his wife of 57 years, Pat, daughter Mary, and two sons Denis and John. He also leaves behind three grandchildren: Katie, Kaci and Sam Stubblefield.

There will be a Memorial Mass Saturday June 10th at 10:00 am at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church, 1190 E. Clark Ave., Santa Maria.