Jose Barela

JOSE ORLANDO BARELA

September 24, 1939 ~ March 14, 2016

Our loving husband, dad, Papo, brother and friend, Jose Orlando Barela, passed away at the age of 76 on Monday, March 14, 2016. He died at his home surrounded by his loving family after a heroic battle with Alzheimer’s.

Dad was born on September 24, 1939 in Del Norte, Colorado to Manuel and Minnie Martinez Barela. He was the second of seven children.

Dad married LaDean Maria Martinez on his birthday September 24, 1958. We always said that he married on his birthday so he would never forget an anniversary. Together they had four sons and three daughters.

Dad was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he served as a Eucharistic Minister, a member of the Men’s Group and enjoyed taking the Jesuit Priests fishing.

Dad retired as a track inspector from the Union Pacific Railroad. He continued to be active after retirement because that was the way he lived his life. Dad taught us the values of hard work and honesty.

Anyone who knew Dad knew how much he loved listening to Mexican music, fishing, camping and hunting. He also loved the Denver Broncos and any team that played the Raiders. He always enjoyed going to Wendover. When we were caring for dad we learned to love the old western movies. He loved coaching his sons in sports and was the biggest fan on the sidelines. Most of all he loved spending time with his large family. The grandkids and great grandkids loved their “Papo” and they will miss his sense of humor and pranks. BBQ’s and picnics will not be the same without “Papo”. He had lifelong friends, Kelly, Charlie, Jim, Elmer, and too many more to mention. He also had many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Anyone who knew Dad knew that he was a man of generosity. On several occasions he would bring a homeless person home to feed and clothe.

Dad is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, his children Nadine (Kenneth) Rendon, Manuelita (John) Martinez, Jose (Micky) Barela, Debra (Joe) Rodrigues, Steven (Renee) Barela and Reggie (Kallie) Barela. He is also survived by one brother and three sisters; Rebecca Herrera, Roger Barela, Jeanette (Dan) Archuleta, Jennie Barela and a sister-in-law Rachel Barela. He leaves behind 20 grandkids and 28 great grandkids.

Dad was preceded in death by both parents, an infant son Dominic Michael Barela, two brothers Herman Barela and Arthur Barela.

We would like to extend a special thanks to Brandi, Brooke, Jake and Chris from Rocky Mountain Hospice for their help in caring for dad and also his neighbors who were available to help.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 4050 South 3900 West. The family will meet with friends on Friday, March 18th from 6 to 8 p.m., with a Rosary at 7 p.m. at Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary, 3333 West 5600 South.

In lieu of flowers please donate in dad’s name to the Utah Chapter Alzheimer’s Association or local homeless shelter.

“Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near. Still loved, still missed, and very dear.” We love you dad.