Richard Lee Vega

Richard Lee Vega passed peacefully after a brief illness and was surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Lake Isabella, California to Mabel Vega - Bracamonte and was raised by his stepfather, Simon Bracamonte. He attended Lakeside School and East Bakersfield High School.

Richard proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1950 to 1952 as an Artillery Maintenance Foreman, earning two bronze stars, Korean Service medal, and UN service medal. After his military service, he married the love of his life, Pauline Juanita Chavaria and together they raised six children.

Richard was employed by Lockheed Aerospace as an electronic assembly worker in San Fernando, California and worked in the auto painting and painting industry at Eagleson Body Shop, Bakersfield City Works, Volkswagen, Wally Tucker Datsun, Three-Way Chevrolet, and Bill Wright Toyota, where he remained a loyal and respected employee until his retirement. He was known for his strong work ethic, integrity, and mentorship of young workers.

Family was the center of Richard’s life. He enjoyed gardening, listening to Christian and country music, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and extended family. He cherished family trips, barbecues, storytelling, and capturing memories on video. Richard will be remembered as a loyal friend, a devoted family man, and a man of honesty, faith, and compassion.

Richard was preceded in death by his mother, Mabel Vega - Bracamonte; his wife, Pauline Chavaria Vega; granddaughter, Misty Dawn Ivester-Gibbs; grandson, Elijah Gibbs; great-granddaughter, Kiley Saenz; and cousin, Vera Ramos and Esther Williams.

He is survived by his children: Richard Lee Vega, Jr. (Nelisa), John L. Moreno (Donna) and Joe L. Vega (Arlene); Pauline Angelina Vega, Loretta L. Ivester (Bob), and Mary L. Barron (Joe), along with numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. The family extends special thanks to cousin Gene Albitre, Native American Spiritual leader and Richard’s daughter Mary Barron, granddaughter, Crystal Vega, and cousin Carmella Ramos for their devoted care.

A viewing will be held Tuesday, January 13, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at Doughty - Calhoun - O'Meara, 1100 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Bakersfield National Cemetery, Arvin, California.