Dr. Joseph Albert Garten

GARTEN, Dr. Joseph Albert, of Midlothian. Va., age, 64, passed away on August 14, 2014, with family by his side. Joe was born in Huntington, W.Va. to the late Tom Garten and is survived by his mother, Wilma; brothers, Chuck and Bill; sons, Tucker and Trammell; daughter, Joanna; and daughters-in-law, Jessica and Abby. Dr. Garten earned his BA from Washington and Lee University, his MA from the University of Richmond, and his PhD from Virginia Commonwealth University. He began his career as Director of Psychological Services at the Psychiatric Institute of Richmond. He then continued to practice clinical psychology and serve as a managed care coordinator and partner at Horizons, Inc. Later in his career, he worked as Manager of Behavioral Health Operations and then served as Director of Behavioral Health Services at WellPoint. Family, friends and coworkers will remember Joe as kind and generous, always eager to listen as well as to share happiness, wisdom and laughter.

He enjoyed yard work, gardening and fishing and was very active throughout his life. He was rarely without a pet dog by his side. Family vacations to the beach were highlights for Joe and his family. Time spent playing, relaxing and surf casting on the beach will be fondly remembered. He was especially devoted to his three children and constantly involved in their lives as a father and best friend. He wished to be remembered foremost as a loving father and also wished for the memories of his life to give joy.

A service will be held at the Huguenot Chapel, Woody Funeral Home at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 23, 2014. A memorial fund to support youth soccer is being established in his name. In lieu of flowers and cards, donations can be sent to FC Richmond, where he enjoyed being a part of youth soccer development and served as president of the soccer club. FC Richmond, P.O. Box 2624, Midlothian, Va. 23113. Please make note of his name in the memo space of donations. Online condolences may be made at www.woodyfuneralhome.com