Juan G. "Big John" Ybarra

Juan G. Ybarra, lovingly known as “Big John,” entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the age of 73, after a lengthy illness. He passed peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on November 28, 1951, in Donna, Texas, to Rita (Cortez) and Nicolas Ybarra, Sr., John was a proud graduate of Donna High School, Class of 1971. During his school years, he was a talented athlete who excelled in basketball—earning Honorable Mention as a sophomore and All-District honors as a junior and senior. Following high school, John began a lifetime of service to his community. He joined the City of Donna Volunteer Fire Department and later became a certified professional firefighter for the City of McAllen, while continuing to volunteer in Donna. Alongside a few close friends, John played a key role in establishing the City of Donna Ambulance Service. His dedication to his hometown also led him to serve as a Donna City Councilman. John will be remembered for his sharp wit, kind heart, and unmistakable sense of humor. A man of simple pleasures, he found joy in the outdoors, tending his garden, and working with his hands on woodworking or home projects. Whether singing his favorite hymns or enjoying classic songs on his CD player, John filled his days with music and gratitude. He was an avid reader, a crossword puzzle enthusiast, and a man of deep humility. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rita (Cortez) and Nicolas Ybarra, Sr.; his brother, Nicolas Ybarra, Jr.; and his sister, Raquel Ybarra. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 21 years, Carmen Ybarra; his daughter, Veronica Alvarado; siblings, Homer (Susan) Ybarra and Linda Ybarra; stepchildren, Mario (Erika) Guerra, Laura (Isaac) Zavala, and Isaac (Linda) Guerra; grandchildren, Brandon (Alixer) Alvarado, Jason Alvarado, Eryk Alvarado, and Alyssa Alvarado; and great-grandson, Noah Alvarado. He is also survived by step-grandchildren Samson Alonzo, Jadyn Guerra, Cataleya Guerra, Liam Guerra, Jude Zavala, and Jade Zavala, as well as nieces and nephews Sarah (Hunter) Clemons, Nicolas Ybarra, Jacob Ybarra, and Samuel Ybarra. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church Chapel, 1108 W. Hackberry Ave., McAllen, TX 78501. The Rosary will begin at 12:00 p.m., followed by Mass at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Valley Memorial Gardens, 3601–3611 N. Taylor Rd., Mission, TX 78573. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and medical staff of the ER, 3rd and 4th floors South Tower, and ICU Unit at Doctors Hospital Renaissance for their compassionate care during John’s hospitalization. Special thanks also to John Kreidler and Kreidler Funeral Home, Inc., as well as Rev. Gregory T. Labus, Dcn. Juan “Johnny” Gonzalez, Patsy Vela and Cindy Jaime for their support and help in organizing the services and to Jason Garcia at Valley Memorial Gardens for his spiritual and heartfelt approach to his work. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) or the Wounded Warrior Project (support.woundedwarriorproject.org).

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Juan G. "Big John" Ybarra

October 14, 2025