Joseph Leslie Barker

Joseph Leslie Barker, Sr. of Seattle, Washington suddenly passed from heart failure in his home early Sunday morning September 17, 2017.

Joseph was born February 9th, 1955 in Alton, Illinois, and lived there and in Collinsville, Illinois until he was 15 years old. He moved to the Pacific Northwest in 1970 and attended Redmond High, Garfield High and, Auburn High schools. Joseph loved sports and was a leading player on his school’s basketball teams. Joseph then moved to San Diego, California for his final year of high school, where he graduated from San Diego High School. Joseph then entered San Diego Community College.

After a year at San Diego Community College Joseph heeded the call to duty and joined the US Marine Corp.  While in the Marine Corp Joseph served as a “Field Radio Operator” and received the “Rifle Sharpshooter Badge” and was awarded the “Good Conduct Medal”.  After his distinguished service, Joseph was honorable discharge from the U. S. Marines Corp.

Joseph then relocated to the greater Seattle area where he attended Seattle Central Community College and earned a degree in culinary arts. He worked in many of Seattle’s finest restaurants and, under the tutelage of the various chefs, eventually became an Executive Chef. Ultimately, in the early 1980s he established his own catering business, successfully known as “Barker & Sons, Catering”, where he continued to work until he passed.

He was a loving man, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and good friend to so many. Joseph was active in his community, having affiliations and serving on; the Genesee Merchants Association, Rainier Rotary, Rainier Valley Rotary, Seattle Chamber, Mercer Island Rotary and Mercer Island Chamber, as well as coaching for is sons basketball teams.

Joseph leaves to mourn his passing: his loving lady, Jenesis Espinoza; his children, Tanisha, Mia, Alexandria, Sofia, and John; his grandchildren, Lacresha, Maylon, Isaiah, Troy, and Jay; his siblings, Jonnice, Willetta (Tina), William (Ernie), and Sheryl (Honey Bee); and many other extended family members. He is preceded in death by: his parents, John and Dorothy Barker; his two sons, Joseph, Jr. and Lorenzo Barker; his sister, Anita Gistarb; and his nephew, Jay Willis.

September 28th 12:30PM – 1:00PM Burial service at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St. Kent, WA98042 (425) 413-9614. Immediately after burial there will be a Funeral Service held at Kent United Methodist Church 11010 SE 248thSt. Kent WA 98030.