JOSE BARCENA

Jose Alfonso "Tiny" Barcena Tiny Barcena 82, of El Paso, went to be with Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on September 24, 2013. He was born to the late Agustin and Juanita Barcena, January 19, 1931 in Los Angeles. Tiny graduated from Bowie High School in 1949. After graduating he was awarded a four year athletic scholarship to run track at East Texas State University. He received his BA in 1956. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force during the Korean War, ('51-'54). He was honorably discharged as a 2nd Lieutenant. Tiny was a teacher and coach for 45 years until retiring at age 75. He had a passion for positively impacting and making a difference in the lives of his students and athletes. As an art teacher, he thrived on teaching kids art skills they could turn into careers. He entered many of his students yearly in the livestock show and art contest consistently sweeping first place in many categories. During summer breaks, he coached the Chico's Tacos Track Club and shared his vast knowledge of track & field with many children. Several of his runners qualified numerous times to compete at the AAU Junior Olympic National Meet. He often paid for these trips out of his pocket so that all of the kids could attend. Many of his track athletes later succeeded at the high school and collegiate levels. He was elected to and served on the YISD Board of Trustees in the early 80's. Tiny enjoyed all sports but none more than track & field. He was an avid Dallas Cowboy fan. He cherished the many trips he took to Odessa and Dallas to watch his three grandsons play football. He loved local politics and was always ready to support the candidate that he believed to be in it for the right reasons. Tiny was always known for trying to help kids in need. Many times, he went around town collecting money for kids with ailments or needing special medical procedures. He collected money for families needing to bury their loved ones as well. Tiny is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Agustin "Guero" Barcena and Norberto Barcena. Tiny is survived by three children, Edward Barcena and wife Kim of Odessa, TX, Jackie Barcena Conlon and fiancé Mark Floyd of Coppell, TX, and Yvonne Chavez and husband Isidro of Irving, TX. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Tyler Barcena and wife Brittney of Odessa, TX, Ryan Barcena and wife Jordan of Frisco, TX, Luke Conlon of Coppell, TX, Genevieve Chavez Stone and husband Ben of Irving, TX, Yvette Fleming and husband Victor of Harrisburg, PA., and one great granddaughter, Blakleigh Barcena of Odessa, TX. He is also survived by three siblings, Mario Barcena and wife Juanita "La Shorty", Juan Alonzo Barcena and wife Lilly all of El Paso, and Esther Quintana Gaxiola of San Diego. He is also survived by his former wife and friend Delia Barcena along with numerous nieces and nephews. Heartfelt thanks go to his special friends and caretakers, Lionel Rubio and wife Josie, Mario Barcena and wife Juanita "La Shorty", Mike Tellez and wife Connie and the care takers from Cuidado Casero. Pallbearers are Tyler Barcena, Ryan Barcena, Luke Conlon, Lionel Rubio, Mark Floyd and Mike Tellez. Honorary pallbearers are Daniel Barcena, Ruben Barcena, Fred Porras, Kenny Samaniego and Bert Williams. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in c/o Tiny Barcena to Annunciation House, 1003 E. San Antonio St., El Paso, TX 79901. A viewing will be held Sunday September 29th at San Jose Funeral Home, 10950Pellicano Dr., from 5:00-8:00 PM. A Christian service celebrating Tiny's life will be held at San Jose Funeral Home Monday September 30th at 9:00 AM followed by interment at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery at 11:00 AM. The family wishes to honor one of Tiny's requests that, if possible, no one wear black to the service.