Humberto Rios Barrera

Humberto Barrera passed away on October 9, 2023 at the age of 62, in Houston, Texas. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile. Despite the pain, Humberto came out a hero and stayed strong until the end. Humberto was born July 25, 1961 in Alice, Texas.

He moved to Houston in 1970. As a child, Humberto proclaimed that his goal was to become a “police officer” when he grew up. After 2 years of working as a police officer at HCC, his dream was fulfilled when he joined the Harris County Sheriff's department as a Deputy. He was promoted to Sergeant and became a hero, role model and protector to many.

He was one of the founders of the Mexican American Sheriff's Organization (MASO) and served as president from 1987 to 1991 and again from 2000 to 2010. He was instrumental in the MASO award banquet and family Christmas parties. He was happy to play Santa Clause for many years in order to create a smile on everyone’s faces. As president, his goal was to promote the safety and success of hispanic sheriffs in the county.

Humberto was a board member of the Harris County Sheriff’s Association and the Harris County Deputy Union and served as president for both.While in these organizations he promoted and fought for the creation of The Circus and The Print a Child Program. During this time, Humberto worked with numerous Texas government officials over the years to fight for legislative initiatives in Austin, TX. As part of the Harris County Sheriff’s department his goal was to create a stronger tie between the community and those serving it. After creating many memories with the Harris County Sheriff’s department, Humberto culminated his 35 year long career in November 2014.

Humberto met the love of his life, Mary Jessica Gonzalez Barrera “Jessie” in the summer of 1976 and married her on September 24, 1977 - surrounded by family members and loved ones. Humberto and Jessica had a very special love for each other similar to the love portrayed in The Notebook. Even towards the end of his life, their love stayed strong and prevailed through 46 years of beautiful memories. Their marriage was blessed with four beautiful children who he loved very much all the same and their loving partners: Samantha Garcia and husband Navin Garcia Jr., Humberto Barrera Jr., Angelica Maria Chavez-Barrera and wife Doralee Chavez-Barrera and Nathaniel DelaRosa Barrera.

Humberto was very family oriented. When you visited his home no one left hungry - he made sure everyone was fed - including the homeless. He would go out of his way to gather the family no matter the situation. Even in his last days, his greatest desire was to spend time with those he most loved. Weekend mornings were spent with his beautiful wife “Jessie” cooking breakfast and evenings were spent watching telenovelas with her. At the end of each day, when his son Humberto Jr. would get home, Humberto would watch wrestling with him even though he didn’t like wrestling he enjoyed his son’s company. He would spend his extra hours watching and talking about cop shows like Blue Bloods or police officer documentaries with his youngest son Nathaniel.

Apart from his wife and children, he is survived by the following: Mother: Benita R. Sepulveda, Sister: Norma Sherwood, Brother: Arthuro L. Barrera, Brother: Sigifredo Barrera Jr., Grandchildren: Kassandra Elisa, Marissa Danielle, Navin Alexander, Jordan Samuel Garcia also known as “booboo” by his grandfather and numerous extended family members including 35 nieces and nephews.

He is now protecting his wife and children from heaven. He has been reunited with the following family members that have gone before him: Father: Sigifredo Barrera (1994), Father in law: Samuel A. Gonzalez “Pops” (2004), Mother in law: Elena C. Gonzalez “Mom” (2018), Sister: Keykay Aleman (2021)

Visitation hours are from 6:00pm –10:00 pm, at Brookside Funeral home Wednesday October 18th at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Fwy, Houston, TX 77039, with a Rosary Service at 7:00 pm that night. Humberto Barrera will be honored in a celebration of life on Thursday October 19th at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 501 Tidwell Rd, Houston, TX 77022 at 11am followed by the burial at Brookside Memorial Park.

Day of Funeral Dress Code: Black, Dark Blue or Service Uniform