Juan Manuel Barrera was originally from San Antonio, Texas. He was born on December 8, 1957 and was the youngest of 7 children. He graduated from South San High School in San Antonio.

He married and moved to Houston shortly after his son Gilbert Rocky Barrera was born in May of 1979. Three years later, in 1982, they would have their second child, Laura Jo Barrera. Later on, Manuel divorced and moved to Indiana to start a new chapter in his life. While in Indiana, he worked in several factories and took up softball and working out as hobbies. His children lived with him while they attended high school and he would later return to Houston in the late 2000's.

He is survived by his brother Victor Barrera (Neune), sister Isabell Martinez (Izzy), son Gilbert Rocky Barrera and daughter Laura Jo Barrera. Most of his family have nicknames like that.

Regardless of his final condition, Manuel ultimately loved his family. The majority of the time, he actually enjoyed laughing with them rather than fighting them. Our fondest memories are of him joking around with his siblings and cousins. He had a very distinct laugh and voice. Thinking about the times he would laugh and joke still brings a smile to our faces. We know that he loved us and that he was proud of us. Everyone that knew him can think back to a funny, crazy story about him.

When they were younger, he was always very active in supporting his children's sports careers. He would try to make it to every single one of their games and wore their team's stuff as loud and proud as possible.

Back then he really loved wood-working and working on cars. He was excellent at both. He loved sports, basketball more so than anything. He had a good taste in music, his favorite bands including the Doobie Brothers, ELO, Bobby Brown, early Janet Jackson, Rush and Three Dog Night.

Juan Manuel Barrera went by "Memo" to his family and by "Manny" to most others.

Saturday, September 17, 2022
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home
8706 Almeda Genoa Road
Houston, Texas 77075