Joseph George Barkate

20, 2019 at Antelope Valley Hospital Medical Center.

Joe was born in Sulphur, La., on September

13, 1930 to Antoine and Victoria Nagmay Barkate.

He was one of seven children. He is survived by

his loving wife, Hilda Ann (Brown), bride of over

sixty years, and his sister, Yvonne. He also survived

by his four children, Andy (Tracey), Therese,

Joe Jr. (Ilona), and Harold (Krystal), his nine

grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He

was a dedicated mathematics teacher at Antelope

Valley High School from 1961 until retirement in

1995. He was a standout athlete in both high

school and college, achieving both all state and all-

American honors in football. He served as an officer

in the United State Army from 1955 until

1957, and then served in the United States Army

Reserves for seven years thereafter. He earned an

undergraduate degree from Northwestern Louisiana

State and two master’s degrees: his first from

Louisiana State University and second from the

University of Oklahoma.

Joe was an avid sportsman, especially enjoying

both golf and fishing. He also spent much of his

free time coaching high school athletes in track

and football along with coaching his children in

baseball, football and basketball. He was known as

Big Eagle and Flying Buffalo in the Indian Princesses

and Indian Guides. He loved spending time

with his grandchildren and was known to them as

Papa. He was everything from a play-toy, cheerleader

and coach to all their many activities. His

grandchildren will be his pallbearers. He attended

church at both Sacred Heart Catholic Church and

Saint Sierra Catholic Church. Joe was blessed to

have many friends and it was a special joy for him

spending time with his golf and lunch buddies. He

had many travels including Europe, China, Antarctica,

Asia, Alaska, Australia, Africa, New Zealand,

the United Kingdom, South America and visited

his favorite destinations numerous times. He

was a well-loved and devoted Husband, Father,

Grandfather and Great Grandfather.

Viewing and Rosary will be at Joshua Memorial

Park (44607 Challenger Way, Lancaster) on Friday,

March 1. Viewing starts at 4 pm and the Rosary

starts at 7 pm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at Saint Junipero

Serra Parish (42121 60th Street West, Lancaster)

at 10 am on Saturday, March 2, followed by burial

and reception at Joshua Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Saint

Jude Children’s Research Hospital (501 St. Jude

Place, Memphis, TN 38105) www.joshuamortuary.

com