Hector Barragan M.D.

Hector Barragan, M.D., a beloved physician and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2025, at his home in Hillsboro, Missouri. Born on February 11, 1932, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Hector's life was a testament to resilience, hard work, and unwavering dedication to his profession and family.
Hector was the cherished son of Efrain and Maria (Duran) Barragan. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Saundra Helen (Hopkins) Barragan, with whom he shared a remarkable 48 years of marriage before her passing in 2009. He also mourned the loss of his son, Stuart Alan Barragan, as well as his parents, Efrain and Maria, and his sisters Aurora Barragan, Otilia Moto, Elba Mota, Berta Lujan, Erendira Tabouada, and Beatriz Bautista. Additionally, he was preceded in death by an infant brother, and son-in-law, Victor Thompson.
Hector is survived by his four daughters: Alana Barragan (Michael) Scott, Kimberly Stewart, Angelique Thompson, and Victoria (Jeff) Lawson. His legacy continues through his grandchildren-Drew Scott, Mason Scott, Sloane Scott, Andria Barragan, Nolan Stewart, Lily (Brenden) Dowling, Brandon (Veronica) Demello, Dalton Thompson, Aidan (Keeli) Parker, Kayle Thompson, Alora Thompson, and Lauren Lawson-as well as great-grandchildren Blake Dowling and Tariacuri Parker. He is also survived by his sister, Reynalda Mota, and his brother, Othelo Barragan, and many nephews and nieces, who will carry on his memory.
Hector's academic journey to medicine and surgery began at the University of Nuevo Leon in Monterrey, Mexico, where he earned his Doctor of Medicine degree. He then did his surgical residency at Missouri Baptist Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. His commitment to medicine led him to practice as a general surgeon for over 50 years, during which he became a respected figure in the St. Louis medical community. He served as the President of the Medical Staff at St. Joseph Hospital in Kirkwood, Missouri, from 1981 to 1982, and throughout his career treated patients at numerous hospitals in the area, including St. Joseph's, as well as St. John's Mercy, Incarnate Word, Alexian Brothers, Missouri Baptist, and St. Louis City Hospital. Hector was known for his skill, humor, frankness, and the ability to connect with his patients, including his own children whom he stitched up multiple times throughout their lives.
An immigrant to the United States, Hector embraced his new life with gratitude, becoming a proud U.S. citizen in the 1970s. He exemplified the spirit of hard work, having put himself through boarding school and medical school, and his achievements were a source of inspiration for his family. Outside of medicine, Hector was a painter and a devoted St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, and had a love for tequila. He enjoyed taking his growing family to Mexico in the summers, and anywhere else that the station wagon or mini-van could take them in the United States. He cherished the time spent with his extended family, and when no longer able to visit in person, enjoyed making weekly calls to his sisters and celebrating birthdays with heartfelt "feliz cumpleanos" wishes to his many nephews and nieces.
Dr. Barragan's funeral will be held on August 25, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home in DeSoto, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his honor to Catholic Charities USA at https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/ways-to-give/honor-and-memorial-gifts/, with special thanks to the Mercy Hospice team and all of his caregivers for their compassionate care during his last days.
Hector Barragan was a man of remarkable character whose legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, dedication, and a passion for healing, and he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege to call him their doctor. Funeral Webcast Photo Slideshow