Evaristo Barraza
October 4, 1947- July 18, 2023

Evaristo Barraza (75), beloved father, partner, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 peacefully in his home surrounded by his two daughters, his longtime partner, and his little sister. Evaristo, or ‘Tito’, as he was called by his family and close friends was, preceded in death by his mother, Maria Teresa Ramon, and father, Oswaldo Ramon, Rosa Ramon (sister), Oscar Ramon (brother), Ruben Vela (nephew). He is survived in death by his longtime partner and wife, Mirtha Yolanda Ortiz; his two beloved daughters Anali (Ruben) Vargas and Cristina (Jerry) Alva; his siblings Lilia Vela, G. Oswaldo Ramon, and Humberto ‘Beto’ Ramon; his grandchildren Karina, Alina, Christian (Vargas) and Gerardo, Daniel, Ariana and Gianna (Alva) who loved and adored their grandpa; and Lori Vela Parker (niece), Oswaldo ‘Wally’ Ramon (nephew), Victor Ramon (nephew), Humberto ‘Betito’ Ramon (nephew), Erika Ramon (niece) and Oswaldo F. Ramon (nephew).

Evaristo loved his Country immensely. While men were being drafted to fight in the Vietnam War, Evaristo chose to volunteer to serve our Country at an age where parental consent was still required, the young age of 17. Evaristo voluntarily served two tours in Vietnam first as a Paratrooper in the 101 st Airborne Division and then as a Medical Specialist on the front line. He was honorably discharged in 1972 receiving the Parachute Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Medical Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star given for heroism.

Upon returning from serving our Country Evaristo began his small family with his then wife, Minerva. His two daughters, Anali and Cristina, were his entire world up until the last breath he took with them there by his side. Evaristo had an insatiable thirst to learn. He had a passion for science, U.S. history, art and of course, music. Only those closest to him knew he was an avid painter. He said he would share his soul through his paintings. Evaristo always wanted to give back to his community but more importantly to young minds. He was a teacher for 30 years and was loved by his students. In his spare time, he painted, played golf, competed in local billiard competitions for which he won many trophies, and more often than not, Evaristo sat with his guitar and sang. He spent a good portion of his young adult life as a civil rights activist fighting for the rights of minorities and people he felt were underrepresented. Evaristo was a man of his word. He was noble, brave, and honorable. Evaristo is greatly loved and will be forever missed.

Please join his family in honoring the life of Evaristo on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services located at 1320 Trey Drive, Laredo, Texas 78041.

*Military Honors begin at 5:30 p.m.*

*Pastor Oscar Sacriste and Pastor Gilberto Salinas will share a few words from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.*