Frank Velarde

Frank Velarde, 82, of Port Orchard, WA died on Wednesday, December 6, 2006 in Tacoma, WA. He was born to Elias and Frances (Moraga)Velarde on November 17, 1924 in Ventura, CA. Frank graduated from Ventura High school in Ventura in 1941. He served in the US Navy during WWII and the Korean War from 1942 - 1945 and 1951 - 1954. He married LaVerne (Young) Velarde on January 10, 1961 in Reno, NV. He was employed as a Marine Machinist at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for 15 years prior to his retirement in 1985. He was a die-hard Seattle Seahawks and Mariners fan, and liked fishing and traveling. He is survived by his sons Gary Truitt of Marysville, WA, Bobby Truitt and wife, Debbie of Issaquah, WA, Steven Truitt and wife, Karen of Port Orchard, WA; daughters Diane Whitson of North Bend, OR, Debi Hops and husband, Fred of Port Orchard, WA; sister Myra Harrison of Ventura, CA; grandchildren Gary Edwards, Lance Edwards, Frank Hops, Dillon Hops, Taryn Horn, Ashtyn Truitt, Nathan Truitt, Quinn Truitt, Stefanie Truitt, Sarah Truitt, Adam Truitt, Heather Truitt, Justin English; great grandchildren Allen Edwards, Alyssa Truitt, Gracie House, and Madeline Martinez. He is preceded in death by brothers Elias Velarde, Mike Velarde, John Velarde, Henry Velarde, Victor Velarde; sisters Ruth Regalado, Frances Fernandez, Felina Freiberg, Ramona Hedman, Barbara Velarde, and Anne Strobbe. Memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association - 2625 Third Ave., Seattle, WA 98121-1213.