David D Barrera

Longtime community activist, David D. Barrera, went to be with the Lord on November 9, 2011, at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Brownsville. Mr. Barrera now joins his high school sweetheart and wife of 53 years, Ramona Najar Barrera, as well as his mother and father, five brothers and a sister, as well as many of his fellow soldiers, in heaven. He was 82.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Susana and Jose Maria Barrera of Ben Bolt, Texas.

He is survived by his wife, Lidia T. Barrera two daughters, Sandra Zenon Soliz, Rita B. Luis Hernandez two sons, Joe M. from Brownsville, and David Dee Dee Barrera from Corpus Christi, Texas. He was a loving grandfather to 8 grandchildren: Catrina Quintanilla, Cazandra Pea, Bernadette Quintanilla, Jason Soliz, Dominic D. Hernandez, Bianca A. Hernandez, David Daniel Barrera, Diego Barrera and eight greatgrandchildren. Additional survivors include his brothers Floyd and Oscar Barrera.

David or Popo as he was called by his grandchildren was active in the community and in the lives of his family. His spirit will continue through the numerous organizations that he served. Until his death, he was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 2035 always serving funeral detail, Honor Guard and as Post Chaplain. One of his greatest contributions to our local community was the establishment of Little Miss Kickball in Brownsville. Working side by side with his wife Ramona and a team of volunteers, kickball quickly became a favorite pastime for young girls and their families.
Born on May 21, 1929, he graduated from Ben Bolt High School where he was a competitive athlete. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army where he fought in the Korean War, rising to the ranks of Staff Sergeant. He returned after the Korean War, to marry his high school sweetheart in 1952. They were married 53 years, before her death.

Working side by side with Ramona, they operated the local restaurant, Sandys. He worked also as a paint contractor. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed watching all sports, especially little league games in which his grandchildren played as well as local football games at Sams Stadium. He was active in the community serving as a BISD Trustee and at St. Marys church, serving as a minister of hospitality.

Popo will be missed by all who knew him, especially his children and grandchildren whom he loved unconditionally. Though gone from this earth, his spirit lives on in kickball fields throughout our community and where fellow Veterans gather at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall, Post 2035.

Visitation will begin at 12 Noon and continue through 9 p.m. on Friday, November 11, 2011 in the East Chapel at DarlingMouser Funeral Home with the recitation of the holy rosary at 7 p.m. Friday evening. The Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at St. Marys Catholic Church, 1914 Barnard Road. Interment will follow at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2035 will render military honors at the graveside under the direction of Commander Luis Lucio.

Luis Ricardo Hernandez, Zenon Soliz, Dominic Hernandez, Jason Soliz, Edward Barrera, and Floyd Barrera are honored to be serving as Davids pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be the umpires and coaches from the Little Miss Kickball Leagues in Brownsville.

The family would like to thank the team of health care providers who held our fathers health in their hands. Your efforts, kind words, and thoughts were greatly appreciated.

Visitation

DarlingMouser Funeral Home
945 Palm Blvd.
Brownsville, TX  78520
Friday, November 11, 2011
12 Noon to 9 p.m.

Service

Rosary

DarlingMouser Funeral Home
945 Palm Blvd.
Brownsville, TX  78520
Friday, November 11, 2011
7 p.m.

Funeral Mass

St. Mary Mother of the Church
1914 Barnard Road
Brownsville, TX  78520
Saturday, November 12, 2011
11:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens
4464 Old Port Isabel Rd.
Brownsville, TX  78526