Israel Barrera Sr., at the age of 100 years old, was called on by the Lord, on September 15, 2023, to join his beloved wife of 65 years, Concepcion. Israel was born on January 11, 1923, to Manuel and Gerarda Barrera in McAllen, Texas. As a young man of 17 years he ran off to join the Navy hoping to serve his country in WW2, but was medically discharged shortly after boot camp. He later moved to Corpus Christi where he met Concepcion.
Israel and Concepcion were married on October 24, 1957. Together they raised 6 children and 1 granddaughter, who they considered their own. They were longtime parishioners of Holy Family Catholic Church and would take their children every Sunday.
Israel worked for Bailey Cadillac and then Charlie Thomas Ford until he retired in the mid 1980’s. He also did several jobs on his off time to make sure the needs of his family were met. He instilled and exemplified the value of hard work, the unconditional love of a father, and the importance of family. He loved to sing and play his accordion and piano. He continued to sing and play his music up until the day the Lord called him home. His love for football and music drove him to take his children to high school football games (both in and out of town) and he continued to attend out of town football games as a chaperone for the Mary Carroll High School Marching Band. His grandchildren will remember his smile and pat on the head as he walked by them.
Israel enjoyed taking his family on outings and short summer trips. He had wittiness and a wonderful sense of humor. His laughter could fill the room as he prompted others to laugh alongside him. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who voiced a need. He was a friend to all, a father to all, and certainly loved by all.
Israel is preceded in death by his wife, Concepcion; his youngest son, Cesar Barrera; his father, Manuel Barrera: his mother, Gerarda O. Barrera; his sister, Manuela Barrera Hinojosa; and his brother, Manuel Barrera, II.
Israel is survived by his son, Israel Barrera, Jr. (Adriana) and his daughters, Rose M. Villalobos (late Antonio, Jr.), Victoria Garza, Guadalupe De Luna (Baldemar), Laura Flores (Francisco), and granddaughter; Zulema Garza, who was raised as his own; his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great -great grandchildren, and one great-great-great grandchild.
Honorary Pallbearers: Antonio I. Villalobos, Samuel E. Villalobos, Francisco G. Flores, Augustine J. Flores, Jeremiah J. Campos, and Alex Garza.
Junior Pallbearer: Christian J. Flores
Visitation will be held from 5 PM until 9 PM on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at Memory Gardens Funeral Home. A Holy Rosary will be recited that same night at 7 PM. A Funeral Service will be held at 10 AM on Friday, September 22, 2023, at Memory Gardens Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.
