Elbert Burtcher (aka Pops) was born August 10, 1927, in Alex, Oklahoma to Rosa (Jones) and Clarence Burtcher. He was raised in Bradford, Arkansas with his numerous siblings. In 1945, Elbert changed his birthday to February 11, 1927, so he would be eligible to join the Army six months before his actual 18th birthday. Little did he know, he would be battling two birthdates for decades. On November 5, 1948, he married Ludene Van Winkle, also from Bradford Arkansas. In 1951, they moved to California settling in the Kern County area where Elbert worked various jobs such as farming in the Pond area, cutting hay, and heavy equipment operator, leveling the land in Kern County. Elbert and Ludene raised five children together and were only separated by death after 67 years. His favorite hobbies were playing pool, golfing, fishing, and traveling. On May 31, 2016, at the age of 88, Elbert passed quietly in his home in Shafter, CA. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ludene Burtcher April 1, 2016, son Lester McDougal of Bakersfield, CA, and grandson Leo Wilcocks of Porterville, CA. He is survived by his daughters Lula Johnson of Shafter, CA, and Rosann Christolear (Wayne) of Bakersfield, CA; his two sons Edmond Burtcher of McGehee, AR, and Tommy Burtcher (Shanon) of Bakersfield, CA; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2016 at Seventh Standard Pentecostal Church of God, 32186 Seventh Standard Road, Shafter, CA, at 11am with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.