Reynaldo Barrera Jr., age 82, of Arlington, TX. passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.

Rey was born at home in Fronton, Tx on December 14, 1943. He was theyoungest child and only son of Lucinda and Reynaldo Barrera.

Rey leaves behind the family he cherished: his loving wife of 45 years, Anna, his children Johnny Barrera, Brian Barrera, Rachael Hajek, and Shana Barrera and his amazing grandchildren and awesome great grandchildren. Also, his sisters Graciela Cantu and Dalia Adame and numerous sister in-laws, brother in-laws, nieces, nephews. Additionally, many wonderful lifelong friends.

Rey was a man of strong morals and character who built a life marked bysteady dedication, quiet generosity, and a deep love for his family. 

As a young man, he spent time helping on the family farm. He enjoyed playing baseball and “supposedly” hit three home runs in high school—at least, that’s the story he told us about the three baseballs in his dresser. He was adored by his mother and two sisters, who made sure to spoil him throughout his life.

After high school, Rey enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era. He served both in the United States and two years in Ankara, Turkey. After completing his military service, he settled in the DFW area. He went on to work for 32 years at American Airlines in Dallas, TX where he was a dedicated coworker and built lifelong friendships. His colleagues often said, “He was old school in the best way—believing in hard work, showing up, and getting the job done right.” He was recognized for not missing a single day of work over a 20-year span. Thirty of his 32 years were spent handling cargo, and he served as a Crew Chief when he retired.

Rey loved traveling with family and friends. He enjoyed a long 25-year retirement filled with relaxation and travel. Rey enjoyed mornings drinking coffee and reading the newspaper, watching The Price Is Right, and he loved classic western movies.

One of his favorite pastimes was his frequent trips to the casino with friends. He enjoyed playing the slots and betting on the horses. While he liked to gamble, he truly cherished the time spent with friends. In fact, he wouldn’t go if they weren’t going.

His love for the casino was only surpassed by his passion for the Dallas Cowboys. He was a lifelong fan and likely hadn’t missed a game since the 1970s. During football season, his mood for the week was often determined by a Cowboys win or loss. Most Sundays, you could hear him yelling at the TV from down the street—you had to admire that kind of passion.

Rey will be remembered as a man who deeply loved his family and friends—a great son and brother, a loving husband, a dedicated father, a beloved Tío, and a wonderful “Wello-Wello”

Funeral Mass:

Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

St. Vincent de Paul Church

5819 W. Pleasant Ridge Rd. Arlington, TX 76016

Interment:

Friday, May 1, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

DFW National Cemetery, with full military honors

2000 Mountain Creek Parkway Dallas, TX 75211

The cemetery has asked we do not arrive more then 15 minutes prior 

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