Juan Isidro Barreras

Juan Isidro Barreras, age 82, entered the kingdom of our Lord on December 28, 2020, in the presence of his family. Juan was born on May 14, 1938, in Puerto De Luna (PDL), New Mexico, the only son of six children born to Nestor and Emilia Barreras. Juan left PDL as a young boy, when his family moved east to Tucumcari, New Mexico, but his roots would forever be in PDL. At the age of 17, he headed further east to Amarillo, Texas where he enlisted in the army and trained as a sniper/sharp shooter, ultimately stationed in Hawaii. His army experience would be the catalyst for a career in law enforcement. Upon earning his degree in Criminal Justice, he returned to Tucumcari as an officer with the local police. An interesting career followed as a Texas Highway Patrolman, and then as Head of Investigations for the Welfare Department in El Paso, Texas. His last appointment in his law enforcement career would be his election to the position of Quay County Sheriff, and proud moment shared by all his family, especially his father, Nestor. There are countless notable moments in his career, one of which was the assignment as a bodyguard to President Nixon when the president visited Texas. While in the army, Juan married his high school sweetheart, Lydia Linares, in 1958 and this union would change his life. Lydia’s father was a Baptist preacher, Silverio Linares, who pastored the Spanish Baptist Church on Main Street, in Tucumcari. This man would introduce Juan to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Juan was being raised Catholic, but his continual questioning of the faith caused him to be extradited from his catechism classes. He knew he had found the truth when he heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. As he grew in his faith, he was always sure to remind his friends and family to “stay close to the Lord” as they parted company. Juan is preceded in death by his father, Nestor Barreras and his mother, Emilia Barreres. Surviving Juan are his five sisters; Aneda Montoya, Nestor Castanuela (Ernesto), Carla Duran, Marcela Saiz, Demetria Martinez (Delfino). Also surviving are his and Lydia’s 4 children; Juan (Juanito) Barreras, Sam Barreras (Kara), Lisa Montoya (Fred) and Terry Adamez; 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Juan never forgot PDL, his “diamond”, and his family, the beloved Angels. His Tia Simoncita Angel would say, “here comes my other angel” as she dubbed Juan, “El Hijo de Puerto De Luna” translated, the son of Puerto De Luna. Dad also wrote a song about PDL in which he states that he will one day return to her. Well, that day has finally arrived. Juan will be laid to rest, with full Military Honors at Nuestra Señora Del Refugio Cemetery with Juanito Barreras, Samuel Barreras, Joshua Barreras, Jack Barreras, Sebastian Montoya and Marcos Martinez serving as Pallbearers. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Social Distancing guidelines, services will be private and limited to the immediate family. We ask that you keep Juan and his family in your prayers. You may leave a tribute, a favorite memory, or sign the online guestbook. All services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435. 575-472-3369. To place an online tribute please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com.