BARRERA, Antonio, III

Parker Pioneer, Parker, Arizona - Published Wednesday, July 14, 2010 - July 15, 1963 - May 31, 2010 - Antonio Barrera III was born to Estruberto Barrera and Sylvia Lewis (nee Gayten) on July 15, 1963 in Phoenix, Ariz. He was raised by Justin and Marilyn Pedro along with his siblings, aunts and uncles. After a 15-year relationship he married Amanda Leivas-Sharpe Dec. 14, 2009. Their marriage brought together seven children: Crystal, Mark and his wife, Beth; Pete, Kristina, Samantha, Irene Alman and Tony. They also brought together 18 grandchildren: Esperanza, Randy, RJ, Nakota, Leah, the late Yoan, Monique, Silas, Manny, Nathan, Nichelle, Tori, Isaiah, Miley, Nyla, Alman Jr., Royissa and Yvette. His survivors include his sisters Jenny Barrera of Casa Blanca, Ariz.; Mary Barrera-Angeles, her husband Jose, and their children Martin, Christopher, Vanessa, Alejandro, Anna of Miami, Ariz., Lisa Barrera and her children, Terrance and Stacy of Sacaton, Ariz., sister Rosalinda Gutierrez, her husband, Querberto, and their children, Hope and Pat of Phoenix, Ariz. Other family members included his brother Delton Lewis, his wife Valerie, and their children Manuel, Alonzo, and Ace of Salt River, Ariz. Other survivors include father Justin Pedro; in-laws Isaac Sharpe and his wife, Chaweka and their children Whitney, Koi, Tahnee and Mariah; and parents-in-law were Fred and Ernestine Sharpe. Tony was in law enforcement for 13 years, starting with Gila River Police Department. He was later with the Salt River, Pasqua Yagui and, for a short time, the CRIT Police Department. In 1994, he started working with the BlueWater Casino Resort & Casino as a security officer. He left and worked for Dayton Superior. For a while, he worked as a bartender at OB's Pub. In 2001 he returned to the BlueWater Resort & Casino's security department. Tony transferred to the Tribal Gaming Agency in December 2003 starting out as an inspector. He was then promoted to assistant auditor, where he stayed until July 2009. On Aug. 3, 2009 he obtained employment back on his reservation the Gila River Indian Community, where he was hired as a gaming inspector. Then, Nov. 14, 2009, Tony became ill and started his battle with the diagnosis of renal cancer. During the past six months he spent the majority of his time in and out of the hospital in the Phoenix area. On May 27, 2010 he made the decision to enter into the care of Hospice, which brought him on his journey back home to Parker. Although the trip home took its toll, he was happy and relieved to be back home after five long months in the hospital. When family and friends found out he was home, they embraced him with their presence, whether it was stopping by to see him or just calling to check on him. Although weak from the trip home, he acknowledged each and everyone. Remember Tony in your own happy ways. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. He loved to dance, play pool, play his accordion and always have a good time. He was a cheerful and outgoing individual. Even in his illness, Tony still had the knack. During his last stay at Mercy Gilbert Hospital, the call went out that help was needed to move him to the air bed. In came eight female nurses to help while his male nurse, his sister Mary, and wife Amanda stood back. Picture messages went out to family and friends saying "he may be sick but he's still got it". On May 31, at approximately 5:57 p.m., Tony went home to be with the Lord and his family and friends who were waiting. Tony took his last breath on this earth with Amanda, Kristina, Irene and Ernestine by his side. Rest in peace my dear, you are in a happier place riding, walking and dancing pain free once again. Preceding him in death were his mother, Marilyn Pedro and grandson, Yeon Lunna Jr.