The community is invited to a Celebration of Life for the late William “Bill” Frederick Lomas, known in the entertainment world as “The Parade King,” on Saturday, April 6 at 1 p.m., officiated by Pastor Dan Dutch at Desert Reign Church, 11610 Lakewood Drive in Downey. Ample free parking will be available.  https://www.desertreign.org

For 42 years, until 2023, Lomas was a longtime producer of the iconic Hollywood Christmas Parade as well as producer of countless other parades, dozens of Irish fairs and Celtic music festivals, carnivals and other events in the states of California, Hawaii and Arizona.

For questions and further information about the service, call Bridget McIntyre at McKenzie Mortuary, Sunday through Saturday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., at (562) 961-9301. www.mckenziemorturaryservices.com

“Bill Lomas passed away peacefully at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 22 in his home in Lakewood surrounded by family and friends,” said publicist Steve Moyer, a spokesperson for the Lomas family. “He died of cancer, and was 88 years young in both spirit and life.”

Survivors include Nancy Lennon, Lomas’ life companion; son Steven F. Lomas; daughter Penelope (Penny) S. Moore (nee Lomas); stepdaughter Linell Pe’a (nee Harn), who was an active participant in her father’s parade business; stepson Richard Harn; stepdaughter Kathy Cavanas (nee Harn); and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.