"Grandpa you are truly missed. I still can remember getting up to go down stairs to get a drink before bed, and being stopped to eat a peanut butter and honey sandwich with a cup of milk. You would tell me that it would make my skin beautiful. I remember how you use to always tell me how beautiful I was, but never would forget to add it but you are getting fat. You always made me smile, and laugh. While I was your son's step daughter you never treated me as less then family. I will forever and always be grateful that I had the chance to call you my grandpa. One day I will see you again, and we will laugh again. You were a strong hard working man who loved his family. My husband only got to spend a short bit of time with you, but he still recalls you calling him gringo. You always stated you thought you knew his father, and you always threatened to beat him up if he didnt take care of your mija. We love you Grandpa, and miss you dearly. Cant wait to see you again in heaven."
In loving memory of
Joe M. Baragas
August 12, 1935 - April 1, 2015
Joe M. Baragas was born on August 12th, 1935 in Garfield, Texas and joined our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 1st, 2015 at age 79. He was preceded in death by his parents Gregorio and Louisa Barajas, wife Luciana Baragas, three grandsons Joe Abel Baragas Jr., Frank Anthony Baragas, and Tyne Joseph Willman, two brothers Hubert Barajas and Jesse Barajas, and two sisters Olivia Benitez and Romanita Medina.
He loved and was loved by everyone he came across and lived his life as a hardworking, providing man. He was the heart of the family and kept them going strong with his knowledge and wisdom. He will be missed greatly and will remain in the hearts of his loved ones.
He is survived by his children Debra Ann Hitchcock, Norma Jean Baragas-Willman and husband Stan, Joe Abel Baragas Sr. and wife Lisa, Gregorio Aldo Baragas II and wife Terri, Frances Marie Rodriguez and husband Mike. His grandchildren Veronica Baragas, Kimberly Martinez and husband Ruben, Gregorio Baragas III and wife Agueda , Fealyx Baragas and boyfriend Ernest Franco, Scott Hitchcock, Dajasia Hitchcock, and Anthony Rodriguez. Great-grandchildren Eric Baldwin Jr., Luciana Baragas, and Zavier Baragas. Sisters Elida Saldivar, Adelphia Ruedas, Elvira Gonzalez, and numerous nephews and nieces.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 11, 2015 at Harrell Funeral Home, 4435 Frontier Trail, Austin, TX 78745.
Tributes
"To our Baragas family in TX....we hurt with and for you. The pain of uncle Joe's loss is enormous, being felt from many miles away. However the love and legacy he leaves behind is much greater. In asking my dad (Ramon Gonzalez) this morning about memories he shared with uncle Joe, he responded the following with tear filled eyes, cracked voice and broken a heart: "Your uncle Joe was an amazing man. I feel honored to have so many memories with him in and of our younger years. Memories that are just between the two of us. Getting to see him before his departure was a blessing. It was like picking up where we left off years back and its comforting to me to know that it'll be that same way when I see him again, in heaven." My mom (Elvira Gonzalez) joined the conversation adding about uncle Joe's dry humor. She recalled phoning uncle Joe to let him know she was mailing him a copy of my dad's music CD. Uncle Joe said (in his dry humor way) he was going to listen to it behind closed doors so that he could laugh :) Another time, during a visit in TX, Tia Lucy was reminding uncle Joe that it was my mom's birthday. Again, in his dry humor way he responded with "y yo que culpa tengo?". Seeing my mom laugh so hard at uncle Joe's humor brings sooo much joy, comfort and healing. I speak in behalf of my entire family here in AZ when I say, we regret letting 1,000 miles and a few hours get in the way of being closer to uncle Joe. But even with that distance between us, Tio still made an impact on all of us. In conversations about work ethic, inner strength, pride, humor, musical talent and such- Tio Joe almost always, came up. Our hope and prayers for family everywhere, during this difficult time, is that we would all remain strong and focused, making uncle Joe proud. It may seem like too much- but be encouraged, this AMAZING MAN'S blood runs through our veins! Isaiah 40:31- "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." Joshua 1:9- "This is My command-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Love you ALL!"
"Where can I even start with the first memory? Could it be going to the house out in Del Valle before neighborhoods even rised? Like spending New Year's Eve or just randomly showing up to visit. Joe had always seem to give my mom and I a soulful loving hug as if we were family. I remember a few years back you were in the hospital one night and as I arrived family were in the waiting room anxiously holding on to their faith. Joe was truly blessed to have that and I'm grateful he and Lucy welcomed my mom, brother and I into the family before I even existed. I saw Joe two hours before he decided to go in peace and be with our heavenly father and wife. Something told me to go that day or else I may regret it. (As I learned the past year, time is valuable use it wisely and you'll never have regret) So I got there around 830 and Joe was laying down watching his old western films that he seem to love so much. I walked in telling him hello and if he remembered who I was. Marie loudly saying, "Michelles daughter, Eva." Joe stared into my eyes and said, "yeah I know, you look like her!" I then joked saying, "Hey, I'm not so sure that's a good thing?" "Well it may not be a good thing but you do!!" And he and I chatted a bit before I stepped out to ask Marie how he was truly doing because he sure as heck wasn't complaining. Before I left, I had given him another hug, fixed his oxygen tube since he had it hanging off one ear and one nostril insert outside the nose. He smiled and said thank you. "See you later okay?" I said. "Yeah, okay tell your mom hi for me!" I didn't know an hour later I would be getting a text saying Joe had been rushed to the ER and 15 mins after I arrived his last breath would be given. I can't say enough how thankful I was to go with my gut feeling. I like to thank Norma and Stan for taking me to see him before this or else I wouldn't know where to go. And Marie and Mike for allowing me into their home anytime. (even after the mess I've made before) Now Joe is at home and complete being by Lucys side. My condolences to all the Baragas Family."
"Always in my heart uncle Joe you where a we inderful loving uncle and i will miss you dearly tio rip"
"Joe was a beautiful soul. He had a heart full of love, and a smile that was contagious. He always greeted me with a " Hello mija" a hug and kiss on the top of my head. I've known him for over 30 years and the love he had for his family, was always easy to see. You are going to be missed so very much, by all those you left behind..thank you for always making me feel welcomed in your home, for the advise, and for all the beautiful stories you use to tell us about your life. For all the laughs we shared when we all sat around the table. And for my best friend and sister Norma. Love always. Michelle"