Filiberto Barrios, Sr., March 16, 1922-June 30, 2009

Filiberto "Juero" Barrios Sr., a resident of San Marcos, was called to his eternal rest and escorted by the angels to be with our Father in Heaven on June 30, 2009 at the age of 87. Born March 16, 1922 in Mexico, he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and uncle. He is preceded in death by his parents, Filomeno and Epifania Barrios; brothers Felipe and George Barrios and sisters Nina and Margie Barrios and Mela Gonzales. In his country's call, Filiberto Sr. honored his family and country by serving in the United States Army during WW II. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Carmen G. Barrios of San Marcos; sons Filiberto Barrios Jr. and wife Sylvia of San Marcos and Ramon Barrios and wife Juanita of San Marcos; daughters Sylvia Romesburg and husband Mark of San Marcos, Linda Torres and husband Robert of Maxwell and Ana Resendez and husband Edward of Maxwell; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Visitation will be today from 2 to 7 p.m. at Los Angeles Funeral Home, 300 Cheatham St. in San Marcos. Recitation of Rosary will be this evening at 7 p.m. at Los Angeles Funeral Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, July 6 at 10 a.m. at St. John's Catholic Church in San Marcos. Rev. Father Enrique Diaz will officiate. Interment will follow in Memory Lawn Memorial Park in Martindale. Serving as pallbearers will be Filiberto Jr., Ramon and Roger Barrios, Mark Romesburg, Edward Rosendez Sr. and Robert Torres.In lieu of flowers, the Barrios family would extend donations to be made to the American Red Cross or to the St. Joseph Mission Catholic Church in Redwood. Arrangements entrusted to the Villasenor Family - Los Angeles Funeral Home, 300 Cheatham St., San Marcos, 392-3676. Published in the San Marcos Daily Record from 7/3/2009 - 7/5/2009

My grandpa, or Abuelo, was the sweetest man you'd ever meet. He was so laid back and chill, just rolled with the punches. He always called me "flaca" and he loved to do dot-to-dot puzzles. I always stole his pack of cigarettes from his front shirt pocket and he always managed to get them back. I never had the chance to live near him so I didn't get to know him as well as I would have liked, but I loved him and he loved me, and I will for sure miss him.

We sprinkled sand on his casket as one last farewell. All the children and my Abuela saying their last goodbyes.

All of the grandkids in attendance. Minus my brother. That superstar didn't show up to anything.

I have a picture like this when I was a baby. I should find it. This is my grandparents' house.

This was the first funeral for family I've had to attend. I've been lucky enough to have all 4 grandparents living up until now. Not that going to funerals are a good thing, but I guess this was a good one to start with. The Mexican culture is very affectionate, and there was always someone willing to give you a hug when you needed it. This funeral was also very laid back, as per the style of mi Abuelito, and the attire was casual, to say the least. (This is a complete 180 from the next funeral we attended last week.) Still, it was a lovely service and a great memorial to my dear sweet Abuelo. We'll miss you.