Obituary of Edward Barrera

Edward Barrera, 81, passed away on Wednesday, March 16, 2016. Service: 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 3601 Altamesa Blvd., Ft. Worth. Visitation: 5 - 7 p.m. on Monday where a rosary will be held at the church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Serra Club. www.serraus.org/serrausa/serra_gifts.htm Edward was born on October 25, 1934 in Flint, Michigan to Luis and Carmen Barrera. He was raised in Saginaw, Michigan, and graduated from both the University of Michigan and Catholic University in Belgium. He moved back to Saginaw, married Sandra Cieszlak, became a teacher, started a family, and began a 40 year career with State Farm Insurance in Michigan and Texas. He became active in civil rights and politics, and in 1970 was named the chairman of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission. He was a professional alpine ski instructor for over 30 years and loved teaching and coaching new skiers. He was a master photographer, as well as Past President of the Fort Worth Professional Photography Association. He was a member of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, the Fort Worth Serra Club, NAIFA, and Professional Photographers of America. A loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, he loved mentoring people, making people laugh in English, Spanish, or French, and will be missed by many. Survivors: Wife, Sandra Barrera; children, Brian Barrera and wife Stacie, Jules Barrera, Renee Barrera, Linda Barrera, and Thomas Barrera; grandchildren, Avery and Lauren Barrera; brothers, Robert J. Barrera and wife Etta, William D. Barrera, and George A. Barrera and wife Linda; sister, Virginia Y. Hidalgo; and a host of extended family and friends.