Coach Alfredo Ricardo Barrera

“Coach” Alfredo Ricardo Barrera, 92, a dedicated husband, father, grandfather/Papo, great grandfather and educator, died peacefully in McAllen on Wednesday, August 9. Fred was born on February 7, 1931 to Beatriz Treviño and Alfredo Barrera in Mission, Texas. He grew up in Mission and Edinburg and graduated from Edinburg High School in 1949. In 1950, Fred enlisted in the U.S. Navy, working as a radio operator and ship newspaper editor aboard the USS Whetstone during the Korean War. Shortly after his discharge from the Navy, he married his sweetheart, Minnie Lazo, on January 21, 1955. Together they raised a family of three children in McAllen. After earning his education degree at Pan American College in Edinburg, Fred coached athletics in Hargill, Edinburg and McAllen. He was instrumental in establishing the weight and conditioning program at Lincoln Middle School that prepared thousands of students for high school sports. He was a City of Palms Clinic Hall of Honor Inductee in 2000. Not to sit around in retirement, he became the fitness director at the Summit Sports Club. Fred was a lifelong and active member of the United Methodist Church. His passion was health and fitness, and he was always seen running long distances all over McAllen. He was a sponsor of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and guided hundreds of athletes to be their best in life. Wherever he traveled, there was usually a former student who recognized him, calling out, “Coach!” Although a quiet man, he was a vocal fan of the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, Pan American Broncs, Texas Longhorns and McHi Bulldogs. He and Minnie attended their grandchildren’s soccer games, swim and track meets, dance/cheer/band performances and graduations. They traveled throughout the United States including Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico and Central America. Fred adored babies and the family called him The Baby Whisperer because fussy babies magically quieted in his arms. Fred is preceded in death by his loving wife, Minnie. He is survived by their three children, Dina (Ken) Wilson of Edinburg, Arthur (Joan) Barrera of McAllen and Sandy (Tony) Burris of San Antonio; sisters, Bea Martinez of Mission, Blanca Garza and Mary (Roy) Badillo, and brother, Ernesto (Rosie) Barrera, all of Edinburg; grandchildren, Alyssa Wilson, Jennifer Martelli, Jackie Newton, Amanda Pagan, Derek Burris, Matt Wilson and Courtney Villarreal; great-grandchildren, Ethan Fowler, Levin Pagan, Theo Pagan, Emma Martelli, Natalia Newton, Ayla Wilson, Gabrielle Ramirez, Kailey Wilson, Hayden Wilson and Merrik Wilson; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Fred’s Celebration of Life is planned for 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024 at First United Methodist Church, 4200 N. McColl Road in McAllen. A military honor burial was held August 11 at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery. The family is grateful to the staff at the Alfredo Gonzalez State Veterans Home and Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care of our beloved dad.

Tributes

Coach Alfredo Ricardo Barrera

August 9, 2023