Zapata, Texas- Derly Manuel Barrera, 77, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025, in his home, surrounded by his loving wife and children.

He is preceded in death by his son, Noe Barrera, parents, Manuel Barrera and Amanda Vela and by a baby sister Leticia Alma Barrera.

Derly is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Ramona S. (Mona) Barrera. They were united in marriage on June 21, 1974, and together built a life rooted in faith, hard work, and family. From their union, they were blessed with four children:

Raquel (Jose D.) Medina Jr., David O. (Margarita) Barrera, Manuel S. Barrera, and Marco A. Barrera (Isabel Garza).

Derly was a proud and devoted grandfather to Jose D. (Jessica Costabella) Medina III, Roberto R. (Clarissa Ubalde) Medina, Carlos N.  Medina, Isabella Jo Medina, Omar D. Barrera, Miguel A. (Valeria Garcia) Salinas, Alberico (Alexis Alvarez) Salinas, III, and Marco G. Barrera. He was also blessed with numerous great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who loved and respected him dearly.

He is also survived by his sister, Diana (Jose) Araiza.

At a very young age, Derly began working the land on his family's ranch, where he learned the values of responsibility, perseverance, and respect for honest labor. After marrying his beloved wife, Mona, he began a long and dedicated career in the oilfield industry. Starting as a hand, Derly worked his way up through the ranks as a tool pusher, driller, and eventually a company man. Throughout his career, he earned high promotions and was widely recognized as a strong and respected leader, known for his knowledge, integrity, and ability to lead by example.

Because of his dedication and success, Derly was able to retire early in his early forties, returning home to devote his life fully to his wife, children, ranch, and cattle business. This chapter of his life brought him great joy and fulfillment, as he poured his time and energy into the land he loved so deeply. A hard-working rancher, Derly took great pride in caring for his cattle and maintaining the ranch, which was both his refuge and his joy. As he often said, "At the ranch, "That's where I feel alive." He cherished every moment spent working the land, tending to his cattle, and conducting business rooted in integrity and purpose.

Derly will also be remembered as a man full of faith. He was always ready to speak about faith, to encourage others to trust in God, and to remind his family of the promises of the Lord. His faith guided his life, strengthened him through challenges, and was a foundation he passed on to those he loved.

Derly leaves behind a beautiful legacy of hard work, love, faith, and dedication to family. He was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather, who showed nothing but love and guidance. The stories he shared were not just memories, but lessons—meant to prepare his children for life as adults.

Derly Manuel Barrera aka "Pa" was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed, but his legacy, faith, and values will continue to live on through generations.

Pallbearers will be David O. Barrera (Son), Manuel S. Barrera (Son), Marco A. Barrera (Son), Jose D. Medina, Jr. (Son in Law), Jose D. Medina, III (Grandson), Roberto R. Medina (Grandson), Carlos N. Medina (Grandson), Miguel A. Salinas (Grandson) , Omar D. Barrera (Grandson), Marco G. Barrera (Grandson).

Visitation hours will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home.

On Saturday, December 20, 2025, we will open at 8:00 a.m. with a chapel service at 10:00 a.m. at Rose Garden Funeral Home.

Committal services will follow at Zapata County Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home Daniel A. Gonzalez, Funeral Director, 2102 N. US HWY 83 Zapata, Texas.