Joe Nakato, 36, of Springfield, Missouri, 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; step-daughter 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 step-daughter Ashleigh. Joe graduated from Myers Park Senior High in Charlotte, N.C., 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 27, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held in Parkcrest Baptist Church on Tuesday, April 28, at 10:00 a.m. 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.