Miguel S. Barragan was a loving and dedicated family man. Miguel, affectionately known as Mike, was born on August 13, 1935, and passed away at the age of 88 on October 22, 2023, surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with heart and lung failure. He was a well-respected man of his family and community. He lived in San Antonio, TX his entire life and made a beautiful home with his wife of 54 years, Sylvia M. Barragan. It was at a very early age that he learned the value of hard work and he taught those values to each of his children.

He valued being a father, husband, and provider above all else.  He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was always there for them, whether buying them groceries so no one would go hungry, or giving his grandchildren money so they would always have a little something in their pockets. He supported his loved ones with words of encouragement and his love knew no end. Summers at South Padre Island, BBQs in the backyard, holidays at home…our dad made each moment special for all his children.

In addition to his family, he had one other love…fishing! His love for the sea originated from his time served in the United States Navy. He enlisted in the service at the age of 17 in hopes of finding a better life. As a Seaman he traveled the world and bore witness to many beautiful and unexplainable phenomena. There was one story he loved to tell in which his naval vessel came to a complete and abrupt halt after three large humps collided with it. He could never explain what it was or where it disappeared to. He was fascinated by the unexplained and many a day you could find him in front of the TV listening to stories of UFO's and aliens.

Mike was honorably discharged in March of 1955 after defending his country during the Korean Conflict for which he received the National Defense Service Medal. He also received a Letter of Appreciation from the Republic of Korea on the 50th anniversary of the Korean War recognizing his contribution.

He deeply valued the friendships he built over the course of his life. He greatly enjoyed attending his monthly poker club with his best friends.  In his younger days you could also find him in the social clubs dancing the night away with his lovely wife. His other past times included bowling and golf.

For a father who battled illness, he never lost his sense of humor.  Throughout his entire journey, he would often crack jokes and make silly faces. He had a natural ability to makes others smile and his incredible sense of humor will be forever missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Concepcíon and Calistro Castillo, siblings: Socorro B. Palos, Olivia Ayala, Alfredo Lopez, and Raul B. Davidson.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Sylvia M. Barragan; daughters, Blanca (Levine), Sylvia (Arévalos), Sandra Barragan; sons-in-law, John Levine, Brian Arévalos; grandchildren, JohnMichael and Adan Levine, Vivianah and Diego Arévalos; sister, Irma Villanueva as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Our father and husband will be sadly missed and will always hold a place in our hearts. We would love you to come and honor his life.

FUNERAL SERVICES

Thursday, November 9, 2023

Visitation will begin at 5:00 P.M.

Rosary to be recited at 7:00 P.M.

The Angelus Funeral Home

1119 N. St. Mary's St.

Friday, November 10, 2023

Funeral Mass will be offered at 10:00 A.M.

St. James the Apostle Catholic Church

907 W. Theo Ave.

Followed by the burial service at San Jose Burial Park

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Gone Fishin'

I've finished life's chores assigned to me,

So put me on a boat headed out to sea.

Please send along my fishing pole

For I've been invited to the fishin' hole.

Where every day is a day to fish,

To fill your heart with every wish.

Don't worry, or feel sad for me,

I'm fishin' with the Master of the sea.

We will miss each other for a while,

But you will come and bring your smile.

That won't be long you will see,

Till we're together you and me.

To all of those that think of me,

Be happy as I go out to sea.

If others wonder, why I'm missin'

Just tell em' I've gone fishin'

By Delmar Pepper