Jose E. Navarro, known to his family as Rick, to his friends as Joe, and to his kids as PapaDuke, passed away Tuesday November 14, 2017 at the ripe old age of 65, in Beaumont, California. Born in Bakersfield, California on July 20, 1952 to parents Enrique and Petra Navarro, he was the oldest of nine children. Jose grew up in Southern California, and at the age of 18 he enlisted in the U.S Army. Although he had a short military career he received many letters of appreciation, and two letters of commendation for exceptional performance. In 1973 he was honorably discharged from, Fort Knox Kentucky, 2nd Battalion, 34th Field Artillery. After returning home to Southern California he began a career with California Corrections, Department of Youth Authority at Fred C. Nelles School for boys. Jose’s professionalism, strong work ethic, no nonsense attitude and firm resolve enabled him to perform above and beyond the call of duty on countless occasions. Often recognized for his outstanding performance throughout his many years of service, Jose had many opportunities to climb the ranks of leadership, but instead decided to remain in the weeds as a Superintendent. Jose retired from Corrections in 2003. In retirement, Jose began a handyman service, oftentimes doing work for free for his “80 year old girlfriends.” As a self-proclaimed Jack of all trades and master of none, he performed services whenever he felt like it, or if his elderly fan base requested it. Jose loved living his life by the side of a bonfire with music blaring in the background and teaching his kids life lessons with humorous wisdom. His hobbies included fishing, or as he would say “drowning worms,” camping, shooting and watching Nascar racing to the soundtrack of Mortal Combat. Jose lived a simple life, and found the most pleasure at home in his “castle” with his family. He was unconditionally kind and generous to others and often found happiness in giving more than receiving, always saying “share the wealth.” Jose is survived by his five children, Trisha, Jason, Ismael, Enrique and Jamile, and his eleven grandchildren, Ryan, Christopher, Tori, Maile, Alana, Draven, Slade, Furion, Kainan, Ronin, and Maizie. Funeral Services are scheduled for 1:30pm on November 24th at Miller-Jones Mortuary in Paris, CA. If you plan on sending flowers or donations to the family, we ask that you honor him by instead donating to his favorite organizations, The Salvation Army or The Red Cross, as was customary with Jose during Christmas and his birthday.