Levi Arthur Barrett

Levi Arthur Barrett (Bebo), 96, of Paso Robles, CA, passed away on August 20, 2016 Art was born in 1920 in Granbury, Texas to John & Paralee Barrett. He came to California in 1936 at the age of 16 and worked on the Caliente ranch, the Spanish ranch, and the Patterson ranch in Cuyama Valley. It was at the Patterson Ranch that he met the love of his life, Betty Ensor. They met in 1941 spending 74 anniversaries together. Art enlisted in the US Navy in June of 1942 where he served as an Aviation Metalsmith 1st Class. He worked on aircraft at San Pedro Naval Air Station and in Hawaii during WWII. After the war, Art went back to his job as a welder for Mobil Oil in Taft, CA. Art and Betty started their family of three children and in 1955 they moved to their place on North River Road in Paso Robles, working in the San Ardo oil fields. They lived in that house for the remainder of their lives. Art became an independent welding contractor, working for Texaco during the day, then shoeing horses around the county in the evenings and weekends with welding jobs on the side. After he retired, Art and Betty enjoyed camping and fishing with their friends. He was a member of the SLO Co. Sheriff's Posse and a 56-year member of the Brotherhood of Masons.

Art was a hard-working, honest man. He was always willing to lend a helping hand when he could. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife; Betty; brother, Maurice; and grandson, Nick Maduena. He is survived by his children: Judy Bryan, Janice (Johnny) Maduena, and Buster (Ermie) Barrett; grandchildren: Shannon (John) Bryan-Ruggiero, Megan (Shawn) Edwards, Justin (Melinda) Maduena, Ray Barrett, and Serena (Brian) Schnorr; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016, at 11:00 am at Paso Robles District Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home, Paso Robles, CA.