Cesario Barrera

Cesario Barrera, 78, of Rio Grande City, Texas, passed away peacefully at his family home in San Antonio on August 19, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family. A memorial service will be held at Sanchez Funeral Home in August.

Born in Rio Grande City on December 30, 1946, to Lazaro Barrera and Felipa Garza, Cesario lived a life filled with love, service, and devotion to his family and community. After graduating from Rio Grande City High School in 1964, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly served during the Vietnam War for 2 years. Upon returning home, he pursued studies in physics, worked as a USDA agriculture clerk, and later devoted his career to serving Starr County as clerk for the Tax Assessor’s office and the Appraisal District. He also shared his skills as a woodworking teacher and retired from Rio Grande City High School in 2017 after many years as the school’s band clerk.

Cesario was truly a man of many talents. He ran a tortilla factory, enjoyed DJing, and was a skilled handyman who built his own home and apartments. He was also an excellent cook who loved sharing meals, a joyful dancer with a passion for Tejano music, and a loyal Dallas Cowboys fan. Some of his happiest moments were spent over early morning coffee, swapping stories and laughter with friends.

Above all, Cesario’s greatest devotion was to his family. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Rosa; his siblings Ruben and Yolanda; his children: Cesario Jr., Francisco, Hugoberto, Gumaro, and Roxanne; his five grandchildren; and his five great-grandchildren.

He will be remembered for his strength, courage, humor, and unconditional love. To his family and friends, Cesario was a steady source of wisdom, joy, and comfort—a man who left behind a legacy of love that will endure for generations.