Thomas Monroe Barcenas was born Monroe Thomas, Jr. on February 9, 1947 in Chicago, IL. He was the 2nd child of 8 born to Monroe and Charlotte Thomas. Monroe spent his childhood and most of his adult years in the Chicago area. As the only male sibling, he was a loving and kind brother who took good care of his sisters. He enjoyed riding his bike and spending time with his family. He attended Goodrich Elementary School and graduated from Crane High School in 1965. Thomas graduated from Loyola University in Chicago with a degree in Chemistry and simultaneously earned a commission through Army R.O.T.C. He proudly served his country as an Air Defense Artillery Officer before being honorably discharged. Thomas’ love of Science was reflected in the positions he held throughout his career. His last position as Chemistry teacher at Porterville High School, allowed him to share his love of science with his treasured students.
Thomas met Monica Barcenas when he moved to California in 1997. It was love at first sight and they were married in 1999. They had a very loving and peaceful marriage that lasted for 20 years. Thomas was thoughtful, gentle, kind and soft spoken, a true partner in life and a true gentleman with an adventurous heart. He loved to garden, he loved nature, walks in the woods, the beach and most of all he loved spending time with family.
Thomas Barcenas died on March 9, 2018 after a two year battle with Leukemia. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Monroe and Charlotte and his sister Charlene.
He is survived by his wife Monica Barcenas of Hanford, CA; his children Shelencia Weatherspoon and spouse Alton of Skokie, IL; Cristian M. Barcenas and spouse Laura, of Lemoore, CA; Francis L. Barcenas of Fresno, CA; Myriam Dominguez and spouse Pete of Hanford, CA; Carmen Nunes and spouse Rick of Ripon, CA; Ana Lya Hacker and spouse Keith of Lemoore, CA; Richard Miller and spouse Caraleena Mendez of Lemoore, CA; his grandchildren Maria-Simone Weatherspoon; Allissa Viera and spouse James; Christopher Valdez and spouse Janine Amponin; Jason Valdez, Brandon Rose, Cameron Dominguez, Gabrielle Gonzalez, Madison Dominguez, Samantha Hacker, Payton Dominguez, Josiah Hacker, Savanah Miller, six great grandchildren, and his siblings, Theresa McNeal and spouse Marvin of Chicago, IL; Juanita A. Davis of Stafford, VA; Monica M. Thomas of Playa Del Rey, CA; Audrey M. Bracey and spouse Everett of Dixon, CA; Sheila C. Bartlett and spouse Odell of White Plains, MD; Patricia L. Smith and spouse Willie of Tavares, FL and will be remembered by his many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and a host of other relatives and friends. For Christopher and Jason, their father was not a part of their life -- Tom, for them, filled that role.
A Visitation will be held on Friday, March 23 from 9:30am to 11:00am at People’s Funeral Chapel, Funeral Mass will take place at 12:00pm at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church; 10355 E Hanford Armona Rd, Hanford.
Arrangements under the direction of People’s Funeral Chapel.
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