I had been away from Corpus as an Itinerant Minister with the United Methodist Church and somehow or other I happened to run across Mr. Barrera's obituary. I was completely saddened. He was the Principal at Ella Barnes Junior High my second year teaching in CCISD. He was the best and worked so hard to keep the students in line. I just want to offer my sincere condolences I wish I had been around to attend his funeral. He really was a Great Person and Principal. Rev. Delia Estrada, retired school teacher and Minister.

We are so sorry for your loss. My wife & I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. B. from our days at Ella Barnes  & Miller H.S. from 1968- 1974 .         Ramiro & Thelma Esquivel  Jr.   Leander  Tx.

In my life I have been close enough to greatness a few times to actually feel it in my "being."  As a teenager I got to follow Arnold Palmer during a golf tournament.  In the early "60s" there were no restraining ropes to keep the spectators far away, such that with each shot I was right by Palmer to observe and feel the power and skill.  Years later I was given some tickets to be on the front middle row at the Texas A&M Corpus Christi Performance Art Center to see the pianist Van Cliburn perform.  The piano was right by the edge of the stage such that I could have reached up and touched the leg of the piano stool.  With great amazement, I observed the hands, face, and body language, as a multitude of joy and talent came forth.

I write this to set the stage for what I have realized the last few months of thinking about my eight years of working for and with Ernesto Barrera, "Mr. B.," as his assistant principal at Driscoll Jr. High and Miller High Schools. The power, joy, talent, and skill; the PROFESSIONALISM that I saw in Arnold Palmer and Van Cliburn in their "specialities," was equally felt by me from being close to Ernest!  Working with students, parents, teachers, other administrators, and the community, Ernest was a force to observe.  Gracious, compassionate, and humble in his own special ways, yet Ernest knew what had to be done, and did it!  He was a man of action, not just a dreamer and talker!

Speaking of gracious, Ernest would always say that a leader was only as good  as those who he picked to surround him.  That always made those of us who worked for and with him feel so good.  He was the ultimate motivator.  His dark eyes would penetrate one's heart.  (He was so seriuos, that I longed for the moment a smile would finally come upon his face, often followed by a hearty laugh!)  For eight years I heard many times, "Come on, Ken, you can do better than that!"  I could, and I would!!!!   After those eight years with Ernest, if only I would  have daily seen those "eyes" and kept that advice and challenge, I would have been a better educator and man.

With that last statement in mind, I close with  some statements,  beliefs, and a challenge.   At the Rosary last night, as I looked at David and Laurie and their children, I thought of what someone has said: "Our children are the Living Messages that we send to a Time when we will no longer be seen."  Those children and grandchildren are powerful examples of that true statement. Ernest has entered "that Time," and the "Living Messages" are in operation in wonderful ways! Ernest's Passion, Goodness and Righteousness continues in his children and grandchildren!  

May those of us who were his students and/or objects of his mentoring, renew our commitment to a better world by applying the statement of being "Living Messages" to include not only one's children, but one's students and "mentees."  May we so carry forward Ernest Barrera's Spirit as we show what we learned from Ernest.  Join me as I remember those "eyes" and, "Ken, you can do better than that."

Thank you, Mr. B., I can and I will!

I had the honor of working with "Mr. B." for many years at both Miller HS,and at The CCISD Central Office. Not only was he my "Boss"..he was my mentor and friend. He impacted the lives of countless people, in the most positive way. What an honor to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family: He loved you very much.  God Bless Each of You.

I was saddened to hear that Ernesto had passed - I too, am a Barrera, who clearly remembers those Sunday afternoons on Mama Urbana's front porch.  Not only do I have fond memories of Ernesto and Olivia - but I also was priviliged to have Ernesto as my middle school science teacher.  And those too, were fond memories.  Please accept our condolences at this time - for we know that Ernesto is now living eternally with his Lord!  My name is Glenda Chapa Moreno - daughter of Mrs. Guadalupe Barerra Chapa - the only sister of the Barrera brothers.

My wife, Middy Munoz, and I were extremely fortunate to have gotten to meet and know Ernesto through our church in Buda. I remember the first time we met he told me, " I know you.' He then explained where he taught school in Corpus an that's how he knew where I was orignially from (Kingsville). I only wish I had gotten to meet him sooner. Ernesto was an honorable man with great faith. I spoke with him on the phone just a week before his passing and he was still very gracious.
Olivia, we offer you and your family our deeptest condolences and pray for his eternal rest. He is now at peace and not hurting.  God Bless you and all the Barrera family. We love you

Ernesto Barrera's Family;  This is to wish you condolences &  saddest for the passing of Ernesto.  I remember quite clearly when Olivia & Ernesto visited our home in San Diego, lived at Mama Urbana's house, & we all saw on her front porch on Sunday afternoons.   He was a fine, gentle person who was deeply respected by the Barrera brothers & their chilrden,  May he rest in peace.  Graciela Barrera Kavulla, daughter of Arnoldo & Lalita Barrera.  My husband Tim & I live in Houston, Texas.  Many Blessings, Graciela

We are so sorry for your loss. May your special holiday memories help ease your grief this Christmas.

OBITUARY

Ernesto Suarez Barrera

August 22, 1933 – December 20, 2011

Funeraria del Angel - Memorial Holly

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