Lee Jesus Barela

Lee Jesus Barela, 90, of Denver, passed away June 30, 2018.

He was born June 7, 1928 in Trinidad, Colorado, the son of Joe and Rose (Sena) Barela.

On July 11, 1951, he married Esther Sandoval.

Lee honorably served in the US Army during the Korean War.

Lee was a lifetime member At-Large of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also a volunteer with Food Bank of the Rockies. Lee was also a parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. He also was a board member for Colorado Golden Gloves and a volunteer with KYGO Christmas Crusade for Children.

Lee enjoyed hunting, fishing and working in his workshop. He built bird houses in his spare time. He also enjoyed gardening and reading. He was an avid sports fan, especially the Broncos and Rockies. He also enjoyed boxing, boxing for Golden Gloves in his younger years and watching the sport in later years. He loved to shop and interact with anyone whom he came in contact. Lee also enjoyed watching his great-grandson play high school Football, Wrestling and Basketball. He was also a world traveler, visiting Mexico, Germany and through the United States.

Lee is survived by Three Daughters, Brenda Lee (George Marquez) Barela, Deborah Barela, Donna (Ronnie) Picaso; Son, Leonard J. Barela; Three Grandchildren, Luis (Jamie) Picaso, Georgette Marquez and Erica (Chris Bear) Marquez; Two Great-Grandchildren, Joaquin Picaso and Olivia Bear; Several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends and his cherished dog, Koda.

He is preceded in death by Wife, Esther Eileen Barela; Father, Joe U. Barela; Mother, Rose Barela and Two Sisters, Alice Madrid and Rachel Lopez.

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