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Joe Nakato Obituary
SPRINGFIELD, MO -- Mr. Nakato, 36, of Springfield, MO, passed away April 23, 2009. He was born November 15, 1972, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Joe is survived by his parents, Kenzo and Momoyo Nakato, brother Hiro Nakato and wife Mayuri, brother Shin Nakato and wife Kelli, brother Ted Nakato, son Kendall Nakato, stepdaughter Ashleigh Tucker, nephew Cole Nakato, and niece Kohana Nakato.
Joe is also survived by, Stephanie Berding, mother of his children, special friends Rick 'Coach' Stack, Yutaka Oshita, Miller Hartsell, and Goran Devic, all the staff of Nakato Restaurant, and many loyal customers.
Joe was a devoted father with unyielding affection for his son Kendall and stepdaugher Ashleigh.
Joe graduated from Myers Park Senior High in Charlotte, NC, and attended University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Joe moved to Springfield, MO, in 1994 and opened Nakato Japanese Restaurant with his father in January 1995.
Joe was an avid sports fan and a strong supporter of Springfield Youth Wrestling Club. He also enjoyed golfing and fishing during his free time.
Joe was a member of the Parkcrest Baptist Church congregation. He had many friends in the community and will be greatly missed.
Visitation service is planned for Monday, April 27th, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.
A memorial service will be held at Parkcrest Baptist Church on Tuesday, April 28th, at 10:00 am.
The Nakato Family wishes to express their gratitude to all those who have supported them in their time of grief.
Please make memorial contributions to the Ozark Food Harvest Childrens Cafe, 615 N. Glenstone, Springfield, MO 65802.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joe Nakato
4 Entries
Chuck Powell
August 14, 2009
Joe and I went to school together from 2nd grade through high school. I'm so sad to hear he's gone. He was probably the nicest person I ever met. I used to wrestle against Joe in 7th and 8th grade, and of course he'd always beat me. He had super human strength, and was always very modest. For years I'd brag to people about Joe's strength. He used to bench press 300 pounds in 10th grade when he only weighed 150 pounds! He was an even stronger person in heart and soul. Joe, I feel lucky to have known you, and I take comfort in knowing that your soul is now in a better place.
Kenny Smith
April 28, 2009
Joe will be missed by all. He was such a wonderful person. Hero, Ted and Shin please know your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Andy Rochester
April 27, 2009
Joe you will be missed!!
Justin Williams
April 26, 2009
Joe was a great friend to me growing up together in Charlotte. I never knew him to be mean to anyone. Everyone loved Joe. He has always been a great guy! We will all miss him.
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