Antonio "Tony" Barrientes

1938 - 2021

Converse - On Monday, January 25, 2021, Antonio "Tony" Barrientes, Sr. passed away at his home in Converse, TX at the age of 82.

Born in Port Isabel on September 29, 1938, Tony was a long time McAllen and Valley resident. A proud graduate of St. Joseph's Academy (Brownsville), he was a life-long "Bloodhound" who loved to share his stories of gridiron lore with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.Not one of them hasn't learned the old St. Joseph Fight Song!

Tony will be remembered as a successful restaurateur and well known as an owner of The Oyster Bar III (McAllen) and other valley locations. He welcomed friends and families to delicious food and drink and a warm place for celebrations and memories. He was recognized for his dedicated service as Texas Restaurant Association Chapter President and continued service as a member promoting the food service industry of Texas and the Great Southwest.

He devoted his time and energy to The McAllen Palm City Lion's Club, volunteering to make a difference in the community. His genuine sense of humor earned him an "Undistinguished Service as Tail Twister of the Year" award as pep master of his Lions club, promoting good fellowship at club meetings.

Tony had a passion for living and he enjoyed his life to the fullest and did it "his way." He and his wife Lucille enjoyed adventures. They traveled the entire continental U.S. in their Airstream RV and ventured - successfully - all the way "north to Alaska"!! Together they served as President and First Lady of The Wally Byam Caravan Club International South Texas Unit, leading Airstream caravans and chairing rallies. They often traveled with their grandchildren (JC, Jennifer, Andi, Sarah, Clarissa, Christopher), teaching them the "Airstream Life" of adventure, exploration, pursuit of fun, and great memories. To this day, the grandkids still reminisce of their shared experiences that will forever live on with them. Most importantly, Tony was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.

Preceded in death by his parents Justo, Sr. and Consuelo "Snookie" Barrientes, his son Tony, Jr., nephew Henry Barrientes and granddaughter Clarissa Zamora. Tony is survived by his wife and love of his life of 34 years, Lucille, his brother Justo Barrientes, Jr., his sisters Marylou (Henry) Gonzalez and Margarita Barrientes, his daughters Belinda (Juan) Echartea and Cynthia (Hector) Mazon, as well as his 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Visitations will be held at Ceballos Funeral Home in McAllen from 2:00-6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 1, 2021, followed by a private family rosary from 6:00-7:00 p.m. The Rosary will be live-streamed on Facebook by Juan Carlos Echartea. It can be viewed at facebook.com/juan.echartea.

A private family funeral service will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in McAllen on Tuesday, February 2nd, at 1:00 p.m. Internment will follow at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission at 3:00 p.m., where Tony will be laid for his eternal rest next to his beloved son Tony Jr.

To ensure everyone's safety during these difficult times, the family requests that visitors please respect the private nature of the services. Adherence to safety protocols is strongly recommended if attending the public viewing. They thank you for your consideration and thoughts and prayers.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tony's name may be made to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church (McAllen) or St. Joseph's Academy (Brownsville).

The Barrientes Family entrusted their services to the care of Ceballos Funeral Home of McAllen.