Joseph Leon Banegas Sr., nicknamed "Slick", passed away on March 13, 2010, at the age of 67. He was surrounded by his wife, children, extended family and friends as he slipped away with dignity and grace. Born in San Diego on October 24, 1942, to John Banegas and Irene Burton (La Jolla Indian Reservation), he was the eldest of 12 children. He was raised by his grandmother, Lenora Banegas, on the Barona Indian Reservation. He was in the first graduating class of 1960 from El Capitan High School. He went into the U.S. Air Force and was assigned to the Canine Unit Clarks Air Force base in Philippines (1962-1965). He sought training from the Bureau of Indian Affairs' Relocation Program in Oakland as an electronic technician. He worked for Hewlett Packard, Rancho Bernardo, prior to working for his tribe at the Barona Casino as Bingo Manager, Slot Technician Supervisor, Assistant Casino Manager, and Marketing Director of Community Relations. He was a musician, first playing for his school dances at Lakeside Jr. High. In high school and after, he played with the Mavericks. In later years, he played with relatives and friends for the Las Tules dances in Los Coyotes as well as other celebrations. He served on numerous committees and volunteered in Barona and was on the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; children, Joseph Jr. (JoJo), Tara, Patricia Hodge (Danny), and Steven Miller; his grandchildren, John Thomas, Nicole, Joseph, Sierra, Bryan, and Sidney; his brothers, Larry of El Cajon, Robert of Barona Indian Reservation and Raymond Torres; sisters, Beverly Means of Barona Indian Reservation, Doris Magante, Velma Schlater, Diane Bojorquez, all of La Jolla Indian Reservation, Linda Sanchez of Reno, NV, and Gwendolyn Parada of La Posta Indian Reservation, and his beloved dogs, Baby Boy, Baby Girl and Princess. Preceding him in death are Silvia Banegas of Barona Indian Reservation and Roberta Gittens (Carmichael), and his many nieces and nephews. Viewing on Friday, March 19, 2010, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Rosary at 7 p.m., El Cajon Mortuary, 684 South Mollison Ave., El Cajon. Services on Saturday, March 20, 2010, at 10 a.m. at Barona Catholic Church, Wildcat Canyon Rd. He will be greatly missed by his many relatives, friends and co-workers.