Isabel R. Contreras

Isabel Ramos Contreras died peacefully on August 2, 2015 surrounded by loving family at the age of 82 and is joyfully awaiting the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Isabel is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Severa Lujan Contreras; three sons, Isabel Contreras, Robert Contreras, Jimmy Contreras; four daughters, Sally Contreras, Anita Contreras, Rebecca Hernandez and her husband, Jr., Beatrice Wright and her husband, Jesse; two brothers, Eladio Contreras, Joe Contreras; and three sisters, Elvira Martinez, Virginia Alanis, Frances Saucedo. He leaves 20 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his revered parents; son, Lujan Contreras; daughter, Lucy Contreras, five brothers, Porfilio, Lupito, Bartolo, Margarito, Longinos; and six sisters, Maria Gonzales, Erlinda Villanueva, Catalina Contreras, Soledad Contreras, Guadalupe Contreras. Isabel was born on November 5, 1932 in Marlin, Texas, to Jose and Anacleta Contreras. His younger years were spent with his brothers and sisters working the land. Isabel married his sweetheart, Severa, in 1953 and the couple welcomed 8 children into their home. His children remember him as a hardworking father who encouraged them with his caring nature, self-sacrifice and work ethic. Isabel loyally worked for Alford Refrigerated Warehouse for over 30 years often times pulling double-shifts to provide for his family. Alford’s Christmas parties were of fond memory for many family members. “Papon” was a witty individual who loved to have a good time, dress nice with his signature hats, watch the Dallas Cowboys at home, and above all was passionate about his family. He was known to even extended relatives as a loving father figure who was always there for anyone in need with a big smile and a great welcome. His booming voice could be heard saying “Dios de bendiga”, “That’s my mijo”, or “Yeah, that girl is doing good” with the special mix of laughter and cadence that was undeniably his own. At times, he laughed so much between words that he wouldn’t even finish the sentence. “Papon’s” talks told you to be good, get an education, get a good job, or that family is the only real thing you have. He took the time to tell his sons and grandsons that to be a real man means giving your kids a home and food on the table. Papon took the time to simply tell you how proud he was of you. He enjoyed taking road trips back to Waco and Marlin to see the land he used to work when he was young and showing the houses he lived in as a child. Visiting his parents and grandparents with his own family was the highlight of his trips. He enjoyed sharing with pride, the exact number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren he had at any given time throughout the years. He seemed to enjoy counting them all. His humor was contagious. If you ever brought him something, he would always jokingly say to bring some more. As the years passed, the times changed but his welcoming home never did. You were home. A Mass of Christian burial is scheduled for Friday, August 7, 2015 from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church 5605 Bernal Dr. Dallas, TX 75212 with interment to follow at Calvary Hill Cemetery 3235 Lombardy Lane Dallas, TX 75220. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Isabel’s life as he would have wished. Pallbearers include Johnny Ordaz, Freddy Rodriquez Jr., Jacob R. Gonzales, Domingo Ramirez, Derek Hernandez, and Eric Lara.