Toribio Barela

Toribio Barela passed away peacefully at his home May 22, 2023.
Toribio ("Toby," as his friends called him), was born April 16, 1936 to Ynes and Refugia "Cuca"
Barela in Eagle Lake, Texas. He loved his hometown of Eagle Lake, where he played football
and was awarded The School Spirit Award. It was in Eagle Lake where he met the love of his
life, Bernice Kocich. They were married in 1956 and would have celebrated their 67th wedding
anniversary July 29. They moved to Rosenberg, Texas in 1956 and later to Houston to be
closer to their son and his wife. Toribio loved playing the guitar, listening to music, and
coaching many Little League Baseball teams as well as his beloved Rosenberg Babe Ruth
Baseball team, which he took to the State Babe Ruth Championship in 1980! Toribio was a
hard-working man who put his family first. He obtained his Texas Real Estate license and
worked part-time at Rosenberg Carpet for many years, in addition to working full-time for the
Texas Department of Transportation as a district foreman for 35 years before he retired in 1993,
where he would enjoy the rest of his life with his family.
Toribio is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Joe Barela. He is survived by his
wife, Bernice Barela, his son and his wife, Michael and Carole Barela; his sister, Ramona
Garcia; his brother and his wife, Simon and Virginia Barela; his sister-in-law, Elvera Barela; and
many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 10 am, with visitation at 9:30 - 10
am at Davis Greenlawn Funeral Chapels and Cemeteries, 3900 B.F. Terry Blvd, Rosenberg,
Texas 77471.
Remembrances may be made by donating to your favorite charity in Toribio's name.