Dr. George T. Barrera

DR. GEORGE T. BARRERA

November 09, 1923 – February 09, 2023

On February 9, 2023, Dr. George T. Barrera moved on to his next adventure at the young age of 99. Born in Corpus Christi on November 9, 1923, he was one of nine siblings. After graduating from Corpus Christi High School (now Miller High School), he left his hometown for the first time when he was drafted into the US Army, where he served in the China-India-Burma Theater until 1946.  When returning from the war, he met and fell in love with a feisty red-headed beauty, Bertha Carrillo, of Benavides, Texas and attended Northern Illinois College of Optometry. After graduating college in 1950, he began working for Texas State Optical (TSO) in San Antonio, Texas. In 1960, he moved the family to Laredo, Texas after being offered the opportunity to open a new TSO in downtown Laredo.  

He had a passion for golf and was one of the founding officers of the Pan American Golf Association of San Antonio in 1960, as well as the first president of the new Laredo Pan American Golf Association in 1963. As an avid golfer, he achieved what any enthusiast would hope for - a hole-in-one...twice!  After a round, he would enjoy a cold beer with the company of his fellow golfers at the clubhouse.  Furthermore, in 1972, George was a member of the Laredo Elks Lodge and became its Exalted Ruler, where he saw its membership grow to the largest it had ever been.  

After retirement in 1987, George and Bertha picked up a love for traveling. They traveled to parts of Europe, Mexico, Russia, Scandinavia, and South America. Their favorite place to travel to was Las Vegas, and they would go several times a year. If there was a cruise ship with gambling, they would enjoy that as well.

Fondly known as "Buelo" to his grandchildren, he will be remembered for his generous spirit, kind heart, extraordinary patience, incredible organization, sharp mind, and quick wit. He was an enthusiastic square dancer, gardener, waffle maker, ESL tutor, and domino player. His presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Special thanks to Dr. Richard Bang and Maria de la luz Valencia, who both made his life easier.

He was preceded in passing by his beloved wife Bertha Carrillo Barrera.

Left to cherish his memory are his children; Imelda Herrera, Dr. Mario (Dolores) Barrera, Rebecca (Anil) Singhal, and George T. (Sandra) Barrera Jr., his 11 grandchildren; Rene Herrera, Stephanie Tanner, Katherine Barrera, Frances Barrera, Andrea Weiss, Anjali Singhal, Valmiki Singhal, Rakesh Singhal, Shelby Barrera, Elizabeth Barrera, and Christina Barrera, his sisters; Carolina de la Rosa, and Judy Garcia, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends.

The family will be receiving condolences on Monday evening, February 13, 2023 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd.; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 7 p.m.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Tuesday morning, February 14, 2023 departing at 9 a.m. from Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels to St. John Neuman Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 9:30 a.m.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the family plot of the Laredo City Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Stephanie Barrera, Katherine Barrera, Frances Barrera, Rene Herrera, Andrea Weiss, Dr. Mario Barrera, George T. Barrera Jr., Valmiki Singhal, Maria De La Luz Valencia, and Rakesh Singhal

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.