Anthony Barrera

ANTHONY B. BARRERA

MAY 09, 1926 - JUNE 24, 2016

Anthony B. Barrera entered into eternal rest on Friday, June 24th 2016, at his residence in Laredo, Texas.

He is survived by his sister Naomi Saldana, his children, Christie Storer (Shell), Tony Barrera Jr. (Silena), Frank Barrera (Bertha), Steve Barrera (Darcie), and Melissa Gonzalez (Gordy). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Trey Storer (Sonia), Kacie Germadnik (Tim), Summer Geismar (Neil), Tony Barrera III, Amanda Luan (Roel), Anali Barrera, Elizabeth Barrera, Frank Barrera, Carlos Barrera, Kevin Barrera and Elliot Barrera, as well as nine great-grandchildren. Other survivors include many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Sylvia de Llano Barrera, his parents Armando and Clara Dickinson Barrera, and his brothers Armando G. Barrera and Carlos Barrera.

He was born in Laredo Texas on May 9th, 1926 and attended St Peter's Parochial School through 8th grade. He graduated from Martin High School and entered military service on September 6, 1943, at 17 years of age after getting his mother's written permission. He attended Aviation Ordnance Ammunition School in Norman, OK, then was stationed at various bases rising to the rank of Aviation Ordnance man 3rd class. He trained as an aerial gunner, a job which fostered his future intense dislike of flying. He was honorably discharged from the Navy on May 13th, 1946, and immediately caught a bus to Laredo to see his girlfriend, Sylvia de Llano. On January 20th, 1947, they eloped to Cotulla, Texas to get married with best friends Lamar Kahn and Frankie Mumm serving as witnesses.

He worked at Texas Harvest Hat Company before embarking on a long and distinguished career at the Laredo National Bank. He attended advanced banking courses at SMU and Purdue. He retired after 32 years of service, as head of the Trust Department as a Senior Vice-President.

Everyone knew him as Bugs, a nickname given to him at age 12 by his childhood friends at St Peter's. His favorite pastime was spending weekends at Los Olmos Ranch with his longtime friends John T Parker, Polo Villegas, Joe Palacios, Willie Zuniga, Wayo Leyendecker, Mayo Caballero and his brother Armando (nicknamed Death). He was a great storyteller and his favorite time was being with his children recounting early days of his courtship with the love of his life, Sylvia. They enjoyed numerous Friday evenings with good friends Joe and Josette Palacios, Nando and Josephine Zuniga, Lamar Gallagher, Carlos and Yvonne Barrera, and Dick and Mary Holbein, among many others.

Pallbearers are: Trey Storer, Tony Barrera III, Frank Barrera, Carlos Barrera, Kevin Barrera, Elliot Barrera, and Cole Storer.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Luis Benavides, Nursing from the Heart Home Care, and his loving caregivers: Carmen Castellanos, Mikaela Moreno, Josefina Salazar, Hilda Ortiz, Lupita Ortiz, and Tereso G.

He will be buried with full military honors in the Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Bethany House of Laredo and the Laredo Animal Protective Society.

The family will receive condolences on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd., where a Prayer Service will begin at 1 p.m.

Procession will immediately follow to the family plot at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Condolences to the family may be expressed online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.