SMSgt (Ret) Henry Joseph (Joe) Barajas, USAF, 75, passed away September 8, 2018 in Nipomo, CA after a long and valiant battle with cancer. Joe attended Lincoln Elementary School, Holy Angels and Christian Brothers Catholic schools in Sacramento, CA. After graduating from C. K. McClatchy High School and attending Sacramento City College he began his 23 years of distinguished military service. He culminated a highly successful military career holding various senior and key-agency administrative and information management and leadership positions, winning special recognition and high honor in the "Profession of Arms". Joe was a highly decorated and disabled Vietnam War veteran of two voluntary tours of duty. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Air Force Recognition Ribbon, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with "V" Device for Valor with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal.with Five Campaign Stars, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Device, the Vietnam Civil Action Ribbon with Palm Device, the Vietnam Campaign, the Master Information Manager Badge, the Air Training Command Master Instructor Badge, Basic Command and Control Badge and the Strategic Air Command Badge. He was a lifetime and active member of many military organizations. In July 1989, Joe began a second career in California State government. He held various leadership and management positions with the Department of General Services: State Records and Information Management Program and the California Department of Veterans Affair: the Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise. Upon his retirement he was recognized and cited by many state officials for his exceptional work and service. He then relocated to Shiloh, Illinois where he remained active as a volunteer in retiree, veterans and active duty military affairs. He served as Deputy Director of the Scott AFB Retiree Activities Office and as a volunteer-certified Veterans Service Officer with the St. Clair County Veterans Assistance Commission. Joe was born and raised in Sacramento, CA. He was the proud son of Henry P. and Aurelia V. Barajas (both deceased). He was the eldest of five and the only son. He is survived by four sisters: Maria Barajas, Ana Sotelo, Martha Bunch and Celine Morgan. In January 2017, Joe relocated back to California and resided on the Central Coast in Nipomo with his wife of thirty years, the former Barbara Jean Miller of Sacramento, they have five children: Stacey Miller, Dawn Elliott, Parrish Boyd, Alessandra Sumi and Jennifer Barajas. They have seven grandchildren, five great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Joe was a devout Roman Catholic and active volunteer member of St. Clare Roman Catholic Church of O'Fallon, Illinois and recently St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Nipomo, CA. A viewing will be held at Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home, 5401 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento on Sept. 23, 2018 from 2 PM to 6 PM. The rosary will be at 6 PM. A memorial celebration of Joe's life will be held at St. Rose Catholic Church, 5961 Franklin Blvd., Sacramento on Sept. 24, 2018 at 9 AM. A reception will follow at the church hall. A burial service will be held at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, Dixon, CA on September 24, 2018 at 2 PM, where he will forever reside with his "Comrades in Arms". To leave a condolence for the family visit www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com or www.nicoletticuljisherberger.com In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family requests contributions to the American Cancer Society or The Vietnam Veterans of America in Joe's name.
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