Richard Dennis Velarde was born on February 4, 1959, to Rudolfo Velarde and Mary (Jara) DeLuna in Bakersfield. "Rica-Dica" as he was known to his family grew up in Shafter and attended Shafter elementary schools. He graduated from Shafter High School with the Class of '77. Richard was very creative and talented; he enjoyed building model airplanes, drawing, writing music, and played several instruments including the guitar and keyboard. Richard is survived by his mother, Mary; father, Rudolfo Velarde; grandmother, Lucy Jara; brother, Pete Allen DeLuna; sisters, Allyson and husband, Darrell Barton all of Shafter, and Joan and husband, Kevin Spindler of Mint Canyon; and many other loving family members. A funeral service under the direction of Peters Funeral Home, Shafter was held at the Tabernacle of Praise Church of God in Wasco on Tuesday, May 15, 2007, at 10am, for Richard Dennis Velarde, age 48, of Shafter, who passed away May 10, 2007, in Bakersfield. Pastor Pete Bulaga officiated the service and interment followed at Shafter Memorial Park. A visitation was held at Peters Funeral Home, Shafter on Monday, May 14, 2007, from 2pm to 8pm. Please sign