Ricardo Acedo

Ricardo Acedo, age 72, of Shafter, CA passed away on February 10, 2026 at home surrounded by his family. He was born on April 5, 1953 in Arivechi, Sonora, Mexico to Benigno Acedo and Carmen Acedo.

Ricardo grew up in Arivechi, Sonora, Mexico where he attended school until the 6th grade. He grew up working on his family's ranch and as a farm laborer as a young teenager before immigrating to the United States. He worked as a bus boy in Victorville, CA before moving to Kern County in 1975 to work in agriculture. Ricardo's career in farming spanned over 40 years, before retiring in 2016. He was a man of integrity who built his life on the foundation of hard honest work, which he passed down to his children and grandchildren. Though his work meant long hours, Ricardo did it with joy, driven by his love for his wife and children. He was the epitome of a devoted provider, ensuring his family had everything they needed.

On December 15, 1976, Ricardo married Barbara Cowan at the Circus Circus in Las Vegas. They were happily married for 49 years where their life together was centered on love, family and a great sense of humor. One of his favorite jokes was to let everyone know that Barbara got him drunk, drove him to the circus and forced him to marry her, and their life was a circus ever since.

In July 2013, Ricardo accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He remained a member of the Shafter Free Will Baptist Church where he enjoyed taking care of the gardening and church grounds maintenance until his health no longer allowed him. He also enjoyed watching his grandkids play the sports they loved, family gatherings where he made sure everyone ate, and fishing and hunting as often as he could.

Ricardo is survived by his wife Barbara Acedo of Shafter, CA; his children Brenda Stewart, Bakersfield, CA, Richard (Anna) Acedo, Bakersfield, CA, Christina (Bobby) Dunlap, Shafter, CA and Carmen (Lee) Frisch, Bakersfield CA; ten grandchildren Brian, Dominic, John, Carly, Jessica, Blake, Logan, Ethan, Morgan and Reagan; Eight great grandchildren Annalyn, Easton, Emery, Ella, Winnie, Iley, Sebastian and Scout. He is further survived by his brother Roberto (Lily) Acedo of Tucson, AZ and sister Rebeca Acedo Granillo of Cocorit, Sonora, Mexico, sisters-in-law Betty (Butch) Dunehew of Shafter, CA and Linda Cowan of Bakersfield, CA along with many nieces, nephews, close relatives and friends.

Ricardo is preceded in death by his parents Benigno and Carmen Acedo, parents-in-law Jess and Alice Cowan, brother Ignacio Acedo, sister Rosa Orozco Acedo, sisters-in-law Patsy Cowan and Vickie Jordan, and brothers-in-law Jose David Orozco, Felix Perez and Roy Cowan.

Visitation will be held at Basham Funeral Home at 343 State Road, Shafter, CA, 93263 on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 from 5-8pm. Funeral service will be held at the Shafter Free Will Baptist Church at

155 Redwood Drive, Shafter, CA, 93263 on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 12pm. Graveside service will follow at the Shafter Cemetery.