Natividad "Joe" Lira Barron

Natividad "Joe" Lira Barron passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on October 17, 2014. He was preceded in death by his wife Eleanor and his son Samuel. Joe was born in Laredo, TX in a covered wagon on December 25, 1924. He married Eleanor on December 22, 1946. In his marriage of 50 years, he had 5 children, John, Sam, Linda, Maria, and Judy. He was proud of his 10 grandchildren Kimberly, Jeremy, Joseph, Jessica, Zachary, Anthony, Antonia, Lucas, Samantha and Samuel in addition to his 4 great grandchildren.

Joe served in World War II from 1943 - 1946. He served in the Asiatic Pacific Theatric Operations, landing in Corrigidor on D-Day. Joe earned 3 bronze medals in addition to other service awards and medals. He & his wife came to WA in 1953. He retired from Boeing after 27 years.

Joe and Eleanor were restaurant owners, opening up the Monterrey Restaurant in 1973. They owned restaurants for the next 20 years. They instilled a strong work ethic in their children who worked along side him and their mom through the years. Joe employed many family members and friends. For many of them it was their first job.

We will miss our father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. We have all been blessed by having him in our lives.