Frank was born November 21, 1938 to Manuel and Mary Barela in Fort Collins, Colorado. Frank was the fifth child of ten in his family.
Frank grew up working with his brothers and dad in landscaping. He graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1957 and enlisted in the Army shortly after. Frank was stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii and took his R&R in Okinawa, Japan. Living in Hawaii was his first experience with ‘travel.’ He was honorably discharged in 1962 and came home to Fort Collins.
Frank married Priscilla Aragon, on November 14, 1964 after completing Barber School. Together they had three children, Carrie, Scott and Leslie. Frank and Priscilla raised their kids here but enjoyed summer vacations to California always stopping in Las Vegas. When gambling came to Black Hawk, he loved heading up ‘the hill’ for the day, enjoying slots and a good crab dinner at the White Buffalo.
Frank and Priscilla were very active in their home church, Holy Family Catholic Church. He chaired their annual Fiesta Fundraiser in 1988, and attended and later worked the Curcillo. Frank worked for Woodward in the early 60’s, the family business through the ‘80s and finished his career as a barber in his own barbershop, Frank’s Barber Shop (across from Poudre Valley Hospital). Frank was well known for his haircuts, double or nothing dice, jokes, and loyalty to the Colorado State Rams. Even on the coldest of days, when the Rams football team had no hope for a win, he was there cheering on the Green and Gold.
In 2010, Frank traveled to Europe with his wife and youngest daughter. He experienced London, Paris, Rome, Florence and Madrid - but ultimately was excited to return to his home and American Food. Frank’s pockets were always full of candy or nuts – some snack to get him through the day.
He returned to Hawaii in 2013 and made his way back to Schofield. He showed his wife and daughter Waikiki, the Dole Plantation, Pearl Harbor and told stories of the Alamoana and Santa Claus coming in on a surf board.
Frank was a Life Member of the Fort Collins Elks Lodge #804, and proud to attend his daughter’s Installation as Exalted Ruler. Frank had many great friends at the Elks and always enjoyed a good meal by their chef and a friendly joke.
Frank also enjoyed many vacations to Disneyland with his grandchildren in his later years.
Frank’s love for the CSU Rams continued as he traveled with close friends to see the basketball team in New York City at the NIT and the football team take on Louisville at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Boston College in Boston and UTAS in San Antonio. In Honor of Frank’s Love for the CSU Rams, please wear Ram attire or green and gold to his services.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Mary Barela; his father and mother in law, Martin and Louise Aragon; one brother, Manuel Barela; one sister Percella Romero; and two nephews, Mike Feltz and Levi Feltz.
He is survived by his wife, Priscilla Barela; three children, Carrie (Andre L.) Johnson, Scott (Mary) Barela, and Leslie Barela; and seven grandchildren, Christopher Barela, Olivia Johnson, Anthony Barela, Martin Johnson, Andre F. Johnson, Jalen Johnson and Jacob Johnson. Four sisters: Mercella Barela, Barbara Gavaldon (Tom), Judy Solano (Carmel) and Valeria (Mike) Feltz; three brothers: Savino Barela (Carmen), John (MariJean) Barela and Bert (Terry) Barela.
Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 7:00pm, Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fort Collins. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00pm, Thursday, February 7, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Graveside Service with Military Honors will immediately follow in Grandview Cemetery, Fort Collins. Reception to follow at Fort Collins Elks Lodge. Memorial contributions may be made in Frank’s name to the Fort Collins Elks Lodge #804.
