/Glendale

Juan Gutierrez Barajas, (Johnny) 86, passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 18, 2009, at Chancellor Place in Pasadena after a long struggle with Parkinsons disease and a brief bout with cancer.

He was born in Douglas, Arizona on March 1, 1923. He was a 77 year resident of Ventura County, but had moved to the Los Angeles area with his wife, Josephine, to Twelve Oaks Lodge, a retirement home, in 2000. He was a World War II veteran, who proudly served in New Guinea in the South Pacific. He devoted his work life to the federal government. He was employed at the Naval Base in Port Hueneme for 43 years, where he served as a Union Steward. He was also an active member of the Disabled American Veterans.

Johnny was an avid reader and a self-educated man. He earned his GED and graduated with an Associate of Arts Degree from Ventura College. He was also an active member of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish. He was a devoted husband and father, who always put his family first. He also enjoyed counseling the young men at his work place. He would make extra sandwiches to share with those who sought his advice. He gained his inspiration from his faith in God and from his favorite author, Norman Vincent Peale.

He is survived by his daughter, Lorraine B. Megowan and son-in-law, T. Blair Megowan of Glendale, California, brothers Frank Barajas of Ventura, Elias Barajas of San Diego, Ramiro Barajas of Oxnard, Ramon Barajas of Oxnard, Ignacio Barajas of San Diego, Jess Barajas of Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico and Sergio Barajas of San Diego, as well as his sisters, Mary Helen Barajas, and Teresa Gomez of Chula Vista. He is also survived by four Godchildren and many nephews and nieces. Juan Barajas was preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, Josephine Bustamante Barajas, his father, Francisco Barajas, His mother, Trinidad Barajas and his brother, Amado Barajas.

Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Incarnation Catholic Church, 1001 N. Brand Boulevard, Glendale, California 91020 at 10:00 a.m. on, Tuesday, June 23, 2009. Father Tom Schweitzer will officiate. He will be laid to rest in Glendale Forest Lawn Cemetery after the religious services.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinsons Disease Foundation (pdf.org).