Joseph Martin Barker

Joseph M. Barker, 97, of Ventura, died Friday, August 16, 2013, following a brief illness. Joe was born April 27, 1916, in Goodson, Missouri, and grew up in Bolivar, Missouri. He had great childhood memories of the town and all the things young boys did in a small town in the 1920’s and 30’s.

Joe came to Santa Paula, California from Bolivar in 1934 at the age of 18. He worked odd jobs to get by. He was then able to get a job in the oil fields; he worked there for several years.

About 1950, he opened his first Liquor Store in Santa Paula. He enjoyed visiting with the customers that came in regularly. In the early 1960’s he sold the Santa Paula store and opened a store in Simi Valley where he had acquired investment property. His property was on the only corner in Simi at the time with a traffic light.

Joe knew many county families from working long hours in the stores and greeting every customer. He retired later in the 1960’s.

He and his wife, Nadine, were married in 1939. Soon after their marriage they moved their young family to Santa Paula from Ventura. They lived in Santa Paula for 35 years and raised their three sons there.

Upon retirement they moved to Lemonwood Mobile Home Park in Ventura. They very much enjoyed their new friends there and also all of the activities provided. They lived there for 33 years, they then moved to Cypress Place assisted living home in 2007. Nadine preceded him in death in November 2007 after 68 years of marriage.

He was moved to Crestwood Villa assisted living the last few months of his life. The family so appreciates the love and care Joe received at both Cypress Place and Crestwood Villa.

Joe’s greatest joy and greatest legacy in life are his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was very proud of them all. He loved his family over all else and worked hard to provide for their needs.

He is survived by his sons Don Barker and wife Deborah of Ventura; Garry Barker and wife Rachel of Oxnard, and James Barker of Westlake Village; grandchildren, Dan Barker of San Luis Obispo; David Barker and wife Nicole of Lakewood, Colorado; Darsie Chase of Henderson, Nevada, and Brandee George and husband Neal of Menlo Park; great grandchildren, Tessa Swenson of San Luis Obispo; Alyssa Barker and Benjamin Barker of Lakewood, Colorado; Clayton Chase and Wesley Chase of Henderson, Nevada, and Logan George of Menlo Park.

A private family graveside service will be held at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura.