Lupe Barrera Jr., was born on December 5, 1936 in Sweet Home, Texas, to Guadalupe Sr. & Otilia Gutierrez Barrera. He was married to Mary Ann Garza on May 23, 1959 in Yoakum, Texas. He had 10 children; Cynthia Gates, Lawrence Barrera, Rachel Barrera & Collins Devilbiss, Patricia Fritts, Karen Barrera & Larry Nordstrand, Timothy Barrera & Tiffany Pfuhl, Peggy Barrera, Steve Barrera & Kathy Morris, Jeff Barrera & Jennifer, and David Barrera & Karissa. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; 5 brothers, John, Joe, Norbert, Fidencio and Ben Barrera; and 3 sisters, Minnie Rollins, Genoveva DeLaRosa, and Josie Reynolds.

Lupe was dedicated to his family. Every Sunday, family would come to visit for Mary's homemade lunch, of course under his supervision. His family was everything. The smiles & excitement of seeing his children was filled with love. He was stern, but also had a soft side which we all knew. His grandchildren held a special place in his heart. He would do anything for them no matter what. He would always be thinking of something to keep the kids busy, because he knew that if they stayed busy, they wouldn't get in trouble. Even in his illnesses, his grandkids & great grandkids came first. Someone would always be on his lap, making the other envious.

To know Lupe was to love him. No matter what he faced, he was always joking & in a good mood. Lupe never met a stranger. He would be anyone's friend. He met many of them at local country & western dances which he loved. He had numerous friends whether they were drinking buddies, domino partners, or just plain friends. Lupe had many passions in life. He always had ideas flowing or would always try and do whatever he could to help someone. Lupe was a very giving man & would give the shirt off his back if need be. He loved horseracing. He would frequent the tracks, place a few bets and usually win. And he always had to keep up with the Kentucky Derby, which was his favorite.

Lupe was truly amazing. He loved visiting with Father John & loved having company. He will forever be missed. On March 27, 2011, God called Lupe home, took away all his pain, and gave him a nice comfortable chair in heaven to watch down on us. So every time you're hurting, every time you shed a tear, every time you think about Lupe, remember that chair next to God that he's sitting on, watching us all, wanting us to know that everything will be fine. Sooner or later, we shall meet again.

Lupe was preceded in death by: his parents Guadalupe Sr. & Otilia Gutierrez Barrera; son Lawrence Barrera; father-in-law Max Garza; mother-in-law Elizabeth Molina Garza; son-in-law Tim Evans; and brother Andrew Barrera.

Funeral Mass Service: 10 am, Wednesday, March 30, 2011, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville. Visitation: 3 pm, Tuesday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Rosary: 7 pm, Tuesday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Officiate: Rev. John Peters. Pallbearers: Larry Nordstrand, Tony Silgero, David Fritts, Guy Gardiner, Albert Gutierrez, Raymond Rollins, Daniel Pohl, and Johnny Barrera. Honorary Pallbearers: Jim Lancaster, Raymond "Happy" Lancaster, Bob Barrera, Grandkids, and Great-Grandkids. Burial: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.