Gene Barham left us on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2008 at 10:45 p.m. Gene lived a life of integrity, strength, and devotion to family. He loved life and lived each day as it came. Born in 1936, the same year the Golden Gate Bridge was completed, he and his wife Joeby celebrated most of his birthdays by jogging across the bridge.
Gene was born on Saturday, Nov. 21, 1936. Raised in Chico, Calif., he met the love of his life, Joeby Nagos, at Chico High. They were married Feb. 11, 1956, in Chico. They were the proud parents of three children: Karen, Mark, and Keith. Family was always his priority, and their annual family road trips were his greatest joy.
Gene retired from the State of Nevada as an adult parole officer, and went on to pursue his hobbies: hiking, fishing, and camping. Over the past three years, he served as president of Lake Ridge Springs Home Owners Association, in addition to performing marketing and consulting to his son's business, DeBug Computer.
Gene and Joeby had a dream marriage. They became closer with each passing year and were still in love the day he passed. Their marriage has been an example to many of commitment and unconditional love.
His loving wife, Joeby, his daughter Karen and her husband Ron Bennett of Lakeside, Ore., son Mark Barham of Corvallis, Ore., his son Keith Barham and his wife Debbie, of Carson City, Nev., survive Gene. He is also survived by his sister Betty Goings of Galt, Calif., his brother Abe Barham of Sacramento, Calif., and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren.
Gene was the engine that helped the family run smoothly. He will be missed. To honor him, there will be a celebration of his life 2-6 p.m. Sunday. All who knew and loved Gene are invited. Please call 775-883-6241 for directions.
In lieu of flowers, food donations are asked to be made to Evelyn Mount's Community Outreach Food Drive, located at Evelyn Mount's home, at 2530 Cannan Street, Reno or to other organizations helping those in need in northern Nevada.