John C Barela

It is with a deep sadness we share the passing of our dad, John C. Barela, age 85, born in Safford, AZ. Our beloved dad passed away suddenly at home in Utah on October 11th, 2025. He was a much-loved Father, Brother, Uncle, Tata and Friend.

John was born in Safford, AZ to Julian Barela and Edelmira Carbajal Barela. He played and lettered in football, baseball, track and was a Safford high school graduate of class of 1959. He married Adela Talavera from Avondale, AZ and they raised three children together. He was a certified pipefitter for Grinnell for years in Phoenix and California. He later applied to work in the copper mines of Morenci. He worked as a repairman for many years and retired as a Lead Crane Operator in the ball mills at Phelps Dodge in Morenci, AZ and retired in 2002 after 25 years. He is honored with several safety awards. He took great pride in his accomplishments while working at the mine and instilled great work ethics for his children.

We will cherish the times we were able to spend with him and all the memories over the years. John was baptized by the Catholic Church as a child and again through the Mormon church in Utah. He was a proud member of the Arizona Rangers. He was a true cowboy. He enjoyed all outdoors activities, fishing, camping, gardening and hunting. He loved all animals and often raised a variety of pets. He especially loved his horse who he named Chief. He loved riding the trails with his friends and family. He played in men’s fast pitch league in Morenci, studied martial arts earning a blue belt. He partnered with an instructor in Clifton to teach Taekwondo. He volunteered coaching little league in Safford and Morenci for several years. He followed the Kansas City Chiefs football team. He loved comedy, western and action movies. You could always find him sitting somewhere listening to music and having a cigarette.

The last Barela brother of his family, he is preceded in death by his parents, Julian and Edelmira Barela, his ex-wife Adela Shimmel, siblings, Lucy, Nellie, Inez, Eleanore, Inosente, Paul and Danny, his grandchildren Steven, Melody and Matthew. He is survived by his sisters Bri Escobedo and Victoria (Johnny) Colonge of Tucson, AZ, his brother in law Ray Abeyta of Safford, AZ. He is also survived by his three children John (Becky) Barela of West Valley, Utah, Elisa (Pat) Tapia of Tucson, AZ and Adam (Lei-Lani) Barela of Colorado Springs, CO, his grandchildren Jennifer, Jacob, Jasmine, Crystal, Michael, Cris, Crystal, Joshua, Johnny, Adam, Kyla, Brianna, Aaron, Isabella, Jessica, Julian, Isaiah, Nyelah and Malachi. He is also survived by his 28 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandson, many nephews, nieces and loving friends.

Services will be held in both Utah and in his hometown of Safford, AZ:

Viewing, memorial and cremation services will be held at SereniCare Funeral Home, City View, 1001 E. 11th Ave., Salt Lake City, Utah, 84103, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 6-8:30pm.

Urn interment ceremony will be held at the Barela family plot in the Safford Cemetery, 400 Discovery Park Blvd, Safford, AZ on December 6, 2025, at 10:00am. A reception from 12:00-4:00pm with light food and drinks will follow. All who can attend are welcome.