Edward Velarde

Edward Velarde, age 76, from Dulce, NM returned home to be with his heavenly Father on May 12th, 2024 surrounded by friends and family. He was born on July 4th, 1947 at the LaJara ranch house to Leverita Velarde and Roger Negro. Edward graduated in 1966 from Dulce High School. After graduation, SGT Velarde went to serve in the US Air Force as an engine mechanic for 4 years. After returning to Dulce as a Vietnam veteran, he began work as a Housing Director and Maintenance Director. He also obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Business. Edward started his service for his people as a councilman of the Jicarilla Nation where later he went on to serve as Vice President and currently the president of the Jicarilla Nation. He spent decades serving and caring for his people with an unwavering commitment to helping anyone. 

Edward is preceded in death by his parents Leverita Velarde & Roger Negro and grandparents Jose Velarde & Leesan Garcia-Velarde. 

Edward is survived by his sons Doyle Velarde, Kaiba Velarde, Allen Otole; daughters Julianne Velarde, Janine Paiz, Cascindra Willie, Tami Herrera, Paige Velarde; brothers Jubal Sunrise & Adam Romero; grandchildren Madison H Williams, Kevon Herrera, Cienna Harrison, Bob Harrison Jr., Mariah Otole, Kayla Otole, Melody Otole, Jarren Velarde, Alisha Velarde, Jordan Maria, Jazmine Mercado, Bobby Lopez, Chance Vicenti, Chauncey Vicenti, Chancey Vicenti, Chandelle Vicenti; great grandchildren Aiden Montoya, Bella Velarde, Alyria Riley, Jordan Maria Jr., Pazu Velarde, Hayden Vicenti, Chrisiah Otole as well as numerous other beloved friends and family. 

A funeral service will take place at Vietnam Memorial Gymnasium in Dulce, NM at 8:00 AM on Wednesday May 15th, 2024 followed by committal at LaJara-Velarde Family Plot.  The family would like to express sincere appreciation to the Jicarilla Apache people, Nation’s leadership, and to all those whose lives he has touched.