Jose "Joe" Maria Barrera

Jose Maria Barrera Joe went to be with the Lord on June 18, 2013. Joe now joins his mother Ramona Najar
Barrera and his father, David Barrera in heaven as well as many close friends. He was 56.
Born in Alice Texas, he graduated from Ray High School in Corpus Christi. After high school he enlisted in the United States Army. He later earned degrees from Grace Valley Seminary and served the Lord until his death.

Joe was active in the community and in the lives of his friends and family. His spirit will continue through the numerous organizations that he served. Until his death, he was an active member in Bikers 4 Jesus and proudly served as Chaplain at the Willacy County Detention Center in Raymondville, where he often boasted of a full house and a captive audience every Sunday. An avid musician he was always ready to jump in to any band and play any songat any time.

Joe was known by many, and answered to many names, to his nieces and nephews he was Uncle Joe to his fellow musicians he was Almost Famous or Bazooka Joe his fellow riders called him the Preacher Man the inmates he served at the detention center referred to him as the Chap. He will be missed by all who knew him, especially his family and friends. Though gone from this earth, his spirit lives on through the gift of music he passed on to his family, in the jokes he told so zealously, and the in the light in which he walked.

He is survived by his devoted friend Jill Swanson two sisters: Sandra Zenon Soliz and Rita B. Luis Hernandez and his brother and fishing partner, David Dee Dee Barrera from Corpus Christi, Texas. He was a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews: Catrina Quintanilla, Cazandra Quintanilla De los Santos, Bernadette Quintanilla, Jason Soliz, Dominic D. Hernandez, Bianca A. Hernandez, David Daniel Barrera, and Diego Barrera. A gifted selftaught musician and man of great faith, Joe will be remembered by his nieces and nephews for his love of music, silly jokes, and unwavering faith.

In accordance with Joes wishes he has been cremated. A Memorial Service celebrating Joes life will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, 2013, at Brownsville Community Fellowship Church, 2414 Central Blvd., Brownsville, Texas.

The family would like to thank the team of health care providers at Odyssey Hospice who held our brothers health in their hands and the friends from Willacy County Detention Center for their support and kind words through Joes long battle with cancer. Your efforts, kind words, and thoughts are greatly appreciated. We would also like to thank his good friend and doctor, Dr. Jesus Caquias, for his kind and compassionate care.

Service