John Barrera Sr.

John Barrera Sr., 95, of Independence, Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri. He was born on August 7, 1931, in Garden City, Kansas, to Jesus Barrera and Maria (Coronado) Barrera. John was the second of five children born to their union.

John grew up in Lorraine, Kansas, where he graduated from Lorraine High School. During high school, he played four years of basketball, developing a lifelong love for the game, particularly KU basketball. He also developed a deep appreciation for poetry. From an early age, John demonstrated the strong work ethic, determination, and independence that would remain defining qualities throughout his life. As a young man, he worked as a paperboy and, as a teenager, raised chickens.

In 1951, John began his military career with the United States Air Force. He entered the service as a Private and trained as an Air Traffic Control Operator. During more than 11 years of active service, he advanced to the rank of Staff Sergeant, E-5.

John was honorably discharged on May 31, 1962. His military service was recognized with the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster. He also completed training in Control Tower Operations, as well as administrative and supervisory training.

Following his military service, John continued to build a career marked by hard work, leadership, and advancement. He joined Church’s Chicken and progressed through positions of increasing responsibility, ultimately achieving the position of Assistant Division Manager.

John’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to pursue a variety of interests and ventures throughout his life. He became involved in auctioneering, operated a coin shop, and pursued restaurant work and business in California with Barrera’s before eventually returning to Kansas.

John was happiest when he was learning, creating, repairing, or working with his hands. He was an avid gardener and woodworker and enjoyed repairing and restoring antiques. His many interests reflected his creativity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and willingness to take on new challenges.

John married Marjorie Gregor on August 1, 1967. Together, they shared many years of family life and memories.

John was the father of two biological sons from his first marriage, John Jr. and Robert. He was also a stepfather to Gloria Herman, Robert Gregor, and Randall Gregor.

He was a proud grandfather to John Barrera III, Jason Barrera, Salena Barrera, Michael Barrera, Ernest Barrera, and Robert Barrera, as well as three step-grandchildren. He was also a great-grandfather to Trent Rinker, Derrick and Eli Thomas, Christine and Josephine Barrera, along with eight step-great-grandchildren.

John is survived by his brother, Joe Barrera, and sister, Anita Hudson.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marjorie; his two sons, John Jr. and Robert; his step-grandson, Kent; his parents, Jesus and Maria Barrera; his brother, Ishmael Barrera; and his sister, Aurora Barrera, who passed away as a baby.

John Barrera Sr. lived 95 years filled with service, hard work, family, perseverance, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace life’s opportunities, he will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A graveside service, with military honors, will be held for John at 10am on Friday, September 25, 2026 at Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth KS.