Edward "Eddie" Barela was born on November 18, 1947 in Santo Tomas, New Mexico, to Jose and Rafaela Barela. At a young age he moved to California, where he lived with his twelve siblings.

He attended Parlier High School, where he played basketball and graduated in 1967. Shortly after high school he got drafted and went to Vietnam. His basic training was in Fort Ord, which was one of the reasons he enjoyed visiting Monterey, often. Upon returning from Vietnam, one of the first things Eddie recalled was watching a football game featuring the Minnesota Vikings. He became a fan ever since.

After his service, he worked for Parlier Unified School District. He loved his job and took a lot of pride in his work as head of custodial maintenance. He retired after 40 years with the district.

In 1974 he met his wife Lupe, and they got married the following year. They had two boys, Jacob and Adam Barela. They were married for 47 years.

Eddie Barela was well known in the community. He served as a City Council member and Mayor Pro-tem for the City of Parlier. At his work, he was president of the CSEA (union) for many years. In 2019 Eddie and Lupe were selected as grand marshals for the Parlier Round up.

Eddie will be remembered for his jokes, stubbornness, hard work ethic, and socializing with friends. He left to be with our Lord, on December 11, 2022 after losing his battle with cancer. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Eddie is survived by his wife Lupe, son Jacob and wife Ana, three granddaughters; Alexis, Roxanne and Trinity Barela. His brothers; Frank, Albert, Steve, and Ruben, and sisters Ida and Isabel. He is preceded in death by his parents, son Adam, brothers; Johnny, Joe, Henry, Willie and Ernie, and sister Irene.

Psalm 91:11 He has put his angels in charge of you. They will watch over you wherever you go.

Beloved "Eddie" will be forever in our hearts, he was a great man.