Richard Joseph Varela

Richard Joseph Varela, 76, a long time resident of Phelan, California passed away peacefully at his home April 6, 2021. Richard was born in Los Angeles, California on November 3, 1944 to Cecelia and Fred Varela. He attended El Monte High School and Citrus College.

Richard was a veteran of the United States Army. He was drafted and served his country from 1965 to 1967 where he was stationed in Korea. Richard worked at Earl M. Jorgensen Steel from 1970 to 1999. During his time at Jorgensen Steel, he held various positions which included; Crane Operator, Warehouseman and Lead man. Richard was a very hard working man who was blessed to retire at the age of 54. This enabled Richard to do what he loved most which was spend time with his family and work outdoors on his Phelan, California property. Richard was a classic car enthusiast and owned various popular classic cars during his lifetime.

Richard is survived by his wife, Margaret Varela, children, Kimberly Loza, Stephanie Riddle, Cathy Heller, Michelle Shelley, Gordy Howell and Richie Varela. Grandchildren, Alecia Kihl, Breanna Loza, Justin Morse, Kyle Loza, Ryan Varela, Victoria Heller, Caitlyn Shelley, Josh Varela, Rebecca Heller, Dylan Howell, Christian Shelley, Lizzie Howell, Cecelia Varela, Alyssa Heller, and Maddie Loza, Great Grandchildren, Zoie Morse, Chloe Elkins, Kamrin Morse, Grayson Kihl, Sophia Loza, Layla Varela, Lukas Loza, Jaxson Kihl, Denlyn McGaskey and Bella Varela. Siblings, Charlie Varela, Carmen Herrera, Belia Enriquez and Bill Varela. Richard was predeceased by his first wife Dixie Varela, parents, Cecelia and Fred Varela, and brother Eddie Varela.

Memorial services will be held at Sunset Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary on April 29, 2021 at 12 pm.