Fidel Barrera Jr., age 64, of Brownwood passed away from this life Saturday, January 30, 2021, peacefully with his wife and children by his side at M.D. Anderson in Houston. He fought a courageous battle against cancer with an amazing attitude and trust in God.
Funeral Services for Fidel will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 5, 2021, at Southside Baptist Church with David Bryant officiating; burial will follow at Greenleaf Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. at Blaylock Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home of Brownwood.
Fidel was born on August 6, 1956, to Fidel Sr. and Teofila (Vasquez) Barrera in Rocksprings, Texas. He graduated from Brownwood High School in 1976. Fidel married his soulmate, Amanda Alcala Barrera, in December of 1979.
He worked for the Texas Youth Commission for 30 years when he retired in 2006. He had a sense of humor and quick wit about him. At work he was known as “Yogi” and was very respected and loved by co-workers and youth he protected.
Fidel was an amazing cook and known for his beans and hot sauce that he generously cooked for many friends and family whenever they asked. His hero was John Wayne, and his friend, Ray Scalf, whom he looked up to and told stories about and all he learned from him on spices and cooking and life.
He was a member of Southside Baptist Church. Fidel was a strong Christian man with great faith in God. He was blessed in his life with many friends and family who loved him dearly.
The true loves of his life were his grandchildren, especially his granddaughter, Lilley, who could do no wrong in his eyes, his “Princess”, his little nurse, whom he loved so dearly. After retiring from the state, he unselfishly took care of his grandkids, always there for them.
Fidel is survived by his loving wife, Amanda Barrera of Brownwood; children, Veronica Isquirdeo and husband Wesley of Brownwood; son, Efrain Barrera of San Angelo; 3 grandchildren, MarcAnthony, Wesley, and Lilley Isquirdeo; sister, Grace Martinez; and brothers, Lupe Barrera, Fernando Barrera and wife Lucy, Jesus Barrera and wife Lupe. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fidel Sr. and Teofila Barrera; and mother-in-law, Eva Alcala.
Fidel felt blessed by the many friends and family who prayed for him during his battle with cancer always saying that even through the bad times he felt lucky for the blessings of love and support from his church, family, and many friends who loved him. His trust was always in God. The Fidel Barrera Jr. Family, very grateful and blessed even through the storm.
Memorials can be made to Southside Baptist Church (1219 Indian Creek Dr. Brownwood, Texas 76801). Online condolences for the family are welcome at www.blaylockfunerlahome.com.
