John Barbosa

John Barbosa, a resident of Frederick, OK and Irving, TX was born on December 18th, 1946 at Baylor Hospital in Dallas, TX. As a graduate of Irving High School, he was an honor student, served as Student Council President, played varsity football, and tennis, as well as ran track and field. Pursuing higher education, he attended Kilgore Junior College where he earned his Associates Degree. He continued his college education at UTA where he graduated with his BA in History with a minor in Government. He worked his entire career in the Transportation Industry and served a lengthy term as a board member of TSTA.

He was an active member of the Irving Community, serving in many and varied capacities throughout his life. He served as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner and was a founding member of the Preservation and Redevelopment Board. Through his dedication and service he was instrumental in the development and build of Jackie Townsell Heritage Park in Bear Creek, as well as the preparation of the first comprehensive study of downtown Irving. In addition, he was one of the founders of the Irving Hispanic Forum in the 1980’s, which was an integral part of facilitating community initiatives and events involving Irving’s Hispanic population. He along with the Hispanic Forum were responsible for organizing the first ever Cinco De Mayo celebration in Irving. He joined Irving’s city leaders and school board members to form Irving Beautification Inc., formerly known as Keep Irving Beautiful. Additionally, he and other Irving leaders worked to begin the Irving Democratic Club in the 1970’s.

He was active in his children’s schools, including PTA boards, becoming well known for taking on the responsibility of school carnivals. His initiative in one carnival, in particular, was to assist local resident, Cheryl McPeters, to realize her dream of having animal events at school carnivals. This effort led to the proposal and development of the Fritz Park Petting Zoo, which is still active today.

Being a natural athlete, he coached his daughter’s teams with the Irving Girls Softball League, as well as recreational adult teams and played on numerous softball teams himself. He was an active member of Oakview Baptist Church for most of his adult life, having taught children and youth Sunday School and the Royal Ambassadors mission groups for many years. After moving to Oklahoma, he continued actively serving as a member of the First Baptist Church of Frederick. He served meals with the church, as well as volunteering for Meals on Wheels in their community. Driven by his servant heart, he faithfully and generously gave to others throughout the entirety of his life.

He is proceeded in death by his father Ben Ventura Barbosa, his mother Faustina Rios Barbosa, and sister Dolores Schaffer and her husband Ralph. He is survived by his loving wife, Kay Barbosa. His children, Ronnie Barbosa, Dee Ann Scott and husband David, Nancy Ornelaz and husband Gilbert, and John V. Barbosa. Additionally, he is survived by his daughter Michelle Clopp and foster children, Davion Adolf, Troice Corrales Jr., and Davonte Corrales. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Shelby and Shayla Barbosa, Kelly and Joey Swihart, Guillermo Ornelaz, Gabriella Ornelaz (Douglas Corwin), Olivia Ornelaz, Isabella and Elijah Bridges. Great-grandchildren Gracie, Douglas, and Christopher Corwin. Sister, Alice Honer and husband Randy, brothers Ben and Gus Barbosa, nephews Fred and Scott Clark, Trey and James Schaffer and niece, Sherry Davis.

Stepchildren, Kristi Mosley and husband Bryan, Melissa Corrales, Eric Corrales. Step-grandchildren, Craig and Angela Swihart ,Madison Dockery, Josie and Elizabeth Scott, Christian and David Mosley, Troice Corrales, Kayla Hunt, Jazmine Reagan, Terrance Hunt, Jessie Corrales, and Alex Corrales.

The family would like to extend a special thanks and abundant gratitude to Terrance Hunt for his care, love, and devotion to John in the final months of his life.

John departed this world on Friday, April 4th, 2025. He will be remembered for his laughter, generosity, compassion, and abiding faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ. It is that faith that gives us great comfort in knowing that he is dwelling with The Lord, and we will meet him again in Heaven.

Honorary Pallbearers: Ronnie Barbosa, John V. Barbosa, Gilbert Ornelaz, David Scott, Guillermo Ornelaz, Joey Swihart, Terrance Hunt, and Douglas Corwin

The family welcomes you to join them in remembrance and celebration of John’s life on Thursday, April 17th, 2025 at 4:00pm at Oakview Baptist Church.