Raul Barrera

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather

On the evening of March 28, 2021, Raul C. Barrera, 84 years of age, passed on to join his beloved wife of 60 years in God's Eternal Kingdom. Raul was one of a set of twins born on February 16, 1937 to Ascensio and Juliana Barrera of Kingsville, Texas.  He grew up in Kingsville where he went to school, worked, and met the "Love of his Life" Elvira Olivarez.  They were married on July 20, 1959 and were together till the moment Elvira took her final breath on May 23, 2019 with Raul right by her side, where he would always be. Raul and Elvira were blessed with five children: Norma Donnell, Nora Nuñez - husband Carlos Nuñez, Charlie Barrera, Noelia Buck - husband Mike Buck, and Gilbert Barrera - wife Denise Kelly Barrera.

Raul's pride and joy were his sixteen grandchildren: Ismael Nuñez, Isaac Nuñez - wife Daniella, Veronica Marcelo - husband David, Jessica Johnston - husband Michael, Ty Donnell, Nicole Donnell, Carlos Nuñez II, Joe Henry Nuñez - wife Jenny, Michael Nuñez, Charlie Barrera Jr., William Barrera, Colton Christiansen, Hesston Christiansen, Jaycie Buck, Brandon Barrera and Brianna Barrera.  And, his twelve great-grandchildren: Trey, Zarah and Briella Nuñez, Bodhi Nuñez, Leilani Nuñez, Rocco, Marco and Sophia Marcelo, Ryker Nuñez, Lyndon Johnston, Adalyn Christiansen and Kenzli Bueno. Raul and Elvira fostered 100 children in a 20-year span.

Raul is preceded in death by his parents Ascencio and Juliana Barrera, wife Elvira Barrera, brothers Roberto and Regulo Barrera, sisters Rafé Cisneros, Celia Perez, Antonia De La Rosa, Maria De La Rosa, and Marcela Garcia.  He is survived by his sisters Amelia Utley, Sulema Gonzales, Julia De La Rosa, Esther Bernal, Yolanda Vasquez (niece) and brothers Ramiro Barrera (his twin) and Ascencio Barrera Jr.  Raul's legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

We will all remember Raul in different ways.  Some for his passion for music and how he loved playing his accordion.  Others for his love of fishing for red and drum and how he couldn't wait for it to be deer season so he could hunt big bucks.  Most will remember him for his strong appreciation of sweets.  He loved cookies, pies, candy, doughnuts, cake, and almost anything else composed of sugar. His children knew exactly how to bribe him if needed!  Raul loved playing the Lottery, scratch-off's, and game pots.   He just knew he would win big money some day! Raul spent the last year of his life with his twin Ramiro by his side. They lived together and enjoyed each other's company. "Los Cuates" were best friends and together till the end.

We will all remember Raul's sense of humor. He always had something funny, silly, or smart to say. He never missed an opportunity to make you laugh.   He kept his playful demeanor till the very end; making jokes with the paramedics and nurses that cared for him.

We will forever hear Welo saying, "OH My GOOOODNEEESS", in his funny exaggerated way!  We can be sure those were his first words when he saw the magnificence of Heaven.

A viewing for family will begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday April 4th, 2021 at Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, friends are welcome starting at 4 p.m., and a rosary will begin at 6 p.m.

A mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 5th, 2021 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church, and a burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery.

Services are entrusted to Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, 205 General Cavazos Blvd. Kingsville, Texas 78363