Rev. William David Velarde Sr.

Rev. William “Billy” David Velarde Sr. 81, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025. He was born on February 6, 1944, to the late Filemon Velarde and Pauline Gomez, in Rio Arriba, New Mexico.

Billy graduated from Latin-American Bible Institute in 1967.He was married to Beatrice R. Velarde on February 8, 1969, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Billy retired from Bay Valley and was still an actively licensed minister.

He enjoyed playing the piano and singing. Billy visited and ministered the sick and enjoyed volunteering for prison ministry. He also worked in the school system and loved cooking. He most importantly loved spending time with his family. Billy was very social and personable. He was a member of Living World Temple in Decatur, Indiana.

Billy is survived by his children, Linda Garza, of Beloit, WI, Paul D. (Stephanie) Velarde Sr., of Fort Wayne, and Darlene (David) Gonzalez, of Plymouth, IN; his brother Robert Velarde of Peralta, NM and his sister Mary Alice Strain of Los Lunas, NM; 14 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice R. Velarde; his son, William David Velarde Jr.; his mother, Pauline Gomez; his father, Filemon Velarde; a brother, Roger Velarde; a sister, Pauline Escalante.

A visitation will be at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home- Foster Park, 6301 Fairfield Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46807, on Monday April 21, 2025, from 2:00 PM-4:00 PM and from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM. A Funeral Service will be on Tuesday April 22, 2025, at New Covenant Worship Center, 3420 E Paulding Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46816, at 12:00 PM, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial to follow at Covington Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Preferred memorials may be made out to the Velarde family.