Eugene Carl Lykins, 87, of El Cajon, Calif., a former Scioto County area resident, died Sunday, Dec. 12, 2010, at his residence in California.

Born June 1, 1923, in Portsmouth, Ohio, a son of the late Leslie Thomas Lykins and Aggie Caldonia (Carver) Lykins, he was a retired Air Force officer with 22 years of service. He was a member of Lucasville Masonic Lodge No. 465 and Scottish Rite Shrine in Albany, Ga.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Stella Marie (Norris) Lykins, on Jan. 10, 1983.

He is survived by a sister-in-law, Gwendolyn Norris of Portsmouth, and several nieces and nephews.

Military graveside rites will be conducted 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010, at Bennett Cemetery in Minford, conducted by the James Irwin Post No. 622 and James Baker Post No. 363 American Legions.

Arrangements are under the direction of Erwin-Dodson-Allen Funeral Home in Minford. Online condolences may be sent to www.edafh.com.