Joe “Tip” M. Barrera of Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved son, brother, father, fiancé, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. He was 41 years old. Joe M. Barrera was born December 5, 1984, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Mary (Barrera) Perez and the late Jose Chacon. He attended Saginaw Public Schools and was proud of attending Arthur Hill High School and being a lumberjack. He met the love of his life, Jasmine Ontiveroz, through his cousin while attending a wedding. They dated, fell in love, and spent over 11 beautiful years together. A musical man, Joe was a gifted and talented rapper. He was able to put complex words and ideas and turn it into music. Through his words and music, he had the innate ability to create beauty through expression, inspire others, and finding peace and tranquility in all he created. Joe also enjoyed playing darts, and a gamer who enjoyed spending time playing his Xbox. He will forever be remembered for his selflessness to anyone in need, being the life of the party, and touching countless lives through his local “celebrity” status. Above all, Joe treasured and cherished the times he was able to spend with his family and treating everyone with love and compassion regardless of their station in life.

Surviving are his mother, Mary (Richard) Perez of Saginaw; fiancée, Jasmine Ontiveroz of Saginaw; five children: Jose Barrera Jr., Viviana Barrera, Antonio Barrera, Madicella Barrera, and Camden Barrera; five honorary children: Michael McAllister, Marcelis Rosas, Aubriana Ramirez, Victorianna Barrera, and Marcelino Lambert; two brothers and three sisters: Eva Barrera, Victoria Barrera, Homero (Cynthia) Barrera, Bridget (Christopher) Wagner, Jose (Gina) Teneyuque; two step sisters and a step brother: Monica (Andy) Dietrich, Apryll Perez,, and Ricky Perez; God parents: Johnny Jamrog Sr and Lupe Perez. Also surviving are many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends too numerous to mention but held closely to his heart.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jose Chacon; sister, Regina Barrera; grandparents: Ralph and Helen Barrera and Felisiano and Ramona Chacon; three nieces and one nephew: Little Eva Rosas, Velencia Martinez, Little Linda Teneyuque, and Little Bobby Howland; and a special friend, Eric Garcia.

Pallbearer for Joe include: Johnny Jamrog Jr., Jesse Rodriguez Jr., Marc Barrera, Joaquin Teneyuque, Jose Teneyuque Jr., Christopher Wagner, Terry Anglin, and Santino DeLeon.

THE FAMILY KINDLY REQUESTS NO CELLPHONE USAGE AT THE FUNERAL HOME OR CEMETERY AS WELL AS NO CLOTHING WITH JOE’S PHOTO.

A funeral service will take place at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Friday, February 6, 2026, at W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, MI 48603. Pastor Ramon Barrera Jr. will officiate. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the funeral chapel on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at noon. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the National Down Syndrome Society. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.