Ralph Barrera

Ralph Anthony Barrera, age 93, of Paris, Tenn, formerly of Puryear, TN, died Friday, May  2, 2014, at Henry County Medical Center in Paris, Tenn.

He was married October 20, 1956 to Beatrice Valentine Barrera and she survives.

Ralph worked as an upholsterer and finisher of furniture for Compton Service in St. Louis, MO for over 35 years.     He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus in Paris.   He was a WWII Army Air Force Veteran that served in the 23rd squadron 5th bomber group from 1941 - 1946.   He served in New Guinea, Luzon, Southern Philippines and Western Pacific receiving 4 Bronze Service Stars and a Good Conduct Medal.

He was born June 13, 1920 in New Braunfels, TX to the late Rafael Barrera and the late Estella Orona Barrera.

Besides his wife, he is also survived by: Niece, Irma Lemke of San Antonio, TX,  Two Local Nephews, Jimmy (Vicki) Valentine of Puryear, TN,  Charles Valentine of Puryear, TN, and One Local Niece, Janna Hughes of Murray, KY;   and Several other Nieces and Nephews.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap St., Paris, Tenn., where visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Monday, May  5, 2014 with a Rosary at 6:30 pm.   Visitation will continue on Tuesday from 9 – 10:45 am at Ridgeway Funeral Home.  The Funeral Mass will be at Holy Cross Catholic Church at 11:00 AM Tuesday, May  6, 2014.

Rev. Joe Paolozzi will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Dean Lechner, Pete Natoli, Dan Trocolla, Charlie Brown, Jim Brandenburg, and John Baskitis.

Interment will follow in Puryear City Cemetery in Puryear, Tenn.

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