Emilio Bueno Barajas

Emilio B. Barajas, 94, of Baytown, passed away Saturday, November 21, 2020, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, grandfather figure and friend. He will be greatly missed by family and friends who cherish their memories of him.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Socorro and daughter Laura. Brothers and sisters: Hilario Jr., Concepcion Senechal, Raymond (Rachel), Arturo (Gisela), Amelia Esquivel, Julie Rios (Johnny), Eddie and Carolina Huron (Robert), brothers in law: Roy Gonzales and Ancelmo (Jesse) Juarez. As well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and cherished friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant sons, Hector Emilio and Eric Gerard and sisters, Elvira Shaw and Ermelinda Gonzales.

Emilio was born January 5, 1926 in Taylor, Texas, to parents, Hilario and Dominga Barajas. At the age of three months, his parents moved to Baytown when his father began working with Humble Oil and Refining Co (now ExxonMobil).

As a result of a Humble Oil employee sponsored music program, he had the opportunity to study tenor saxophone under the direction of Professor Antonio Banuelos and was a proud member of the all-boys band. In later years, he joined the Blue Jackets, a local popular 1940s big band music orchestra that played for various events in the area.

Emilio proudly and honorably served during World War II in the United States Army as a Private First Class with the

100th Infantry Division, 399th Infantry Regiment in Germany and France. He was wounded in 1945 in Germany and was awarded the Purple Heart. Other decorations and citations include, World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, EAME Theater Ribbon, Two Bronze Service Stars, and Distinguished Unit Badge.

He met Socorro Juarez in junior high school and after a long courtship they married in June 1952 and were inseparable ever since. You never saw Emilio without Socorro or Socorro without Emilio.

In 1986, after 40 years of service, Emilio retired as a Process Operations First Line Supervisor, from the Exxon Baytown Refinery. He was known to his coworkers as “Cat” and viewed by colleagues as the troubleshooting “go-to guy”. After retirement, if there was a disturbance at the plant, he could still identify which specific unit was having issues by simply looking towards the refinery. He was recognized as one of the first Hispanic employees to become a Process Technician and as the first Hispanic First Line Supervisor in Process Operations.

Emilio was a faithful parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He and his wife exchanged their wedding vows in this parish, and he was always willing to assist in church activities. He was on the Pastoral Council for a time, served as an usher and assisted the Altar Society for many years.

He was an avid gardener, and his carefully manicured yard was the pride of the subdivision and received the Yard of the Month award numerous times. Emilio’s love for family, friends and life was well known; but he was happiest doing anything side by side with his wife and daughter.

It was with strong determination and dignity that he fought cancer for the past year. We would like to give special thanks to Dr. Cesar De Las Casas, MD and his Houston Methodist Baytown Oncology team for providing the best care to Emilio and for going out of your way to make us feel comfortable during each visit. Also, we are grateful for the compassionate home care provided by The Home Care Family.

Pallbearers will be Danny Barajas, Louis Barajas, Michael F. DeHoyos, Mark DeHoyos, Gerald Esquivel, and Jacob Sanchez.

A private funeral mass and graveside service will be held Monday November 30, 2020. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1907 Carolina, Baytown, TX 77520.