Elias Velarde was born May 23, 1939 in Colorado City, Texas to Frances (Garcia) and Alberto Velarde, Jr. one of six children. The family moved to Shafter when Elias was an infant and he grew up in Shafter and attended Shafter schools. Elias married Lupe Sabedra April 17, 1960; they would have celebrated 51 years of marriage this Sunday. Elias worked in the rose fields for many years and as a foreman for Jackson and Perkins for 25 years before being disabled at the age of 55. Elias was an avid fisherman and loved to go to Buena Vista or over to the coast and fish Morro Bay. He also enjoyed deer hunting in the mountains. Elias loved animals and enjoyed raising bunny rabbits, geese, chickens, fish and dogs. Many afternoons you could find him in the garden tending to the flowers and vegetables and picking weeds. He was also a good cook and reminded his wife the first one home cooks dinner; many times he made sure he was home first. Elias was dearly loved and will be missed by his wife, Lupe Velarde of Shafter; sons, Elias, Jr. and wife Charlene of Shafter, Manuel of Edison and Albert of Shafter; brother, Rudy Velarde and wife Mary of Shafter; sisters, Toni Mesa of Bakersfield, Angie Valencia of Oceanside, Jenny Golden of Shafter, Paula Pacheco of Bakersfield; 5 grandchildren, Stevie Ray Velarde & wife Sarah, Elias James Velarde, Sarah Jane Velarde, Linda Marie Velarde and Suzie Q and husband Roque Quezada; 5 great-grandchildren, Jacob, Alyssa, Roque, Julian and Jonathan. He was preceded in death by his parents and 1 nephew, Richard Velarde. A rosary will be held Monday, April 18, at 6pm at Peters Funeral Home for Elias Velarde, age 71, of Shafter who passed away April 14, in Bakersfield. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 19, at 10am officiated by Pastor "Roy" Rogelio Ramirez of the Companerismo Christiano Christian Fellowship and inurnment will be private. A visitation will be held Monday, April 18 from 2pm to 8pm.