Tributes

Long time Pharr resident, Mr. Efraim Barrera, went to be with the Lord on Friday October 28, 2022, having died peacefully at his home in Pharr. He was born on August 8, 1935 to Isaac Soto Barrera and Eloisa Avila Barrera. He was brought up in Pharr, Texas where he attended the PSJA ISD schools. He married the love of his life, also a fellow PSJA Bear, Maria Belia Castellanos, in 1955 and together they had one son, Efraim (Bobby) Barrera Jr. They were married 67 beautiful years where together they became pillars of the Pharr community. Mr. B., as he was known to so many in the Pharr business community, pursued a lifelong career in the auto business. His business pursuits afforded him the ability to expand into the real estate business where he became the owner of many of Pharr’s landmark properties, as well as a respected community banker. He was a true believer in the small business person and supported many in that endeavor. He was a promoter of his beloved community and did all he did in his quiet and unassuming way so as not to attract attention. Efraim was a charter member of the Pharr Industrial Foundation and a long time director. He was a charter member of the Pharr/Reynosa International Bridge board whose endeavors helped to change the landscape of the RGV. He served on the Board of Directors of the Central National Bank and was instrumental in the merger of the bank with Alamo Bank of Texas where he grew to become its single largest stockholder. He helped guide the bank through several difficult periods and ultimately helped position the bank for an eventual transaction with Frost Bank which is on the list of largest banks in the U.S. He served many years on the St. Margaret’s Church Finance Committee, was a member of the Pharr Chamber of Commerce, the Knights of Columbus and the Kiwana’s Club. He always leaned forward to answer the call of his family, friends, and his community with integrity and dedication. Efraim earned the respect and admiration of all he came in contact with including many local, county and state officials. Efraim and Belia were devoted to their family and traveling to be with their son Bobby in San Antonio was one of their greatest joys. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Maria Belia C., and his parents Isaac Soto Barrera and Eloisa Avila Barrera. He is survived by his son Bobby, and his four children Bailey, Brinley, Bobby Jr., and Bella; his brothers, Oscar Barrera, Baldemar Barrera, Gaspar Barrera and sister Linda Scott. In his last years, Efraim was given tremendous care and assistance by a host of people, for which the family is extremely grateful. Personalized funeral arrangements directed by St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Catholic Church (8500 Cross Mountain Trail, San Antonio TX 78255). Visitation will begin at 6:00pm on Monday, November 7, 2022 followed by a Rosary at 7:00pm. Mass will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Catholic Church at 8500 Cross Mountain Trail, San Antonio, TX 78255 with interment to follow at Mission Burial Park North.

Tributes

Efraim Barrera

August 8, 1935 - October 28, 2022