Robert Francisco Barela “KIKO” was called home on March 8, 2023, to be reunited with his son, Miguel Barela.

Kiko was born on Feb. 21, 1963, in Ft. Carson, Colo., to Dorothy and Mario Barela. He was the oldest of nine children. He resided in Antonito, Colo., for most of his life where he graduated high school and then entered the work force. He held many types of jobs but found his passion in cooking. He was especially known for his “Kiko sauce” that many people asked for when they ate at the local restaurant.

He filled his time with a variety of hobbies; collecting antiques, fishing, searching for gold, and building crafts. He was also a talented doll house builder. And he had a passion for lovingly raising and caring for his snakes, especially his constrictors.

His biggest joy in this world was his son Miguel, who gave him two grandchildren, Isaac and Brenda Candelaria-Barela, of whom he was very proud.

Kiko had a personality that could light up a room. He was generous and always willing to give to others. He had a fantastic sense of humor that those who knew him will never forget.

Survivors include grandchildren Isaac and Brenda Candelaria-Barela, his mother Dorothy Barela, brother, Mario Jr. Barela (Tammy), sisters, Renae Chavez (Adrian), Lucinda Barela (Buddy Romero), Wendy Barela-Sierra (Jerry), Ella Mae Quintana, (Lee), and his Godson Randall Romero.

Kiko was preceded in death by his son Miguel Barela; father Mario Barela; siblings Joseph, Pedro, and Angelica Barela; paternal grandparents Teofilo and Victoria Barela; maternal grandparents Mike and Rose Archuleta; niece Jadyn Quintana, and great niece Shaliah Guodace.

A Vigil Service with Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 10 a.m. with the Mass of the Resurrection following at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Conejos, Colo. Inurnment will follow at the Ortiz Cemetery.

To leave online condolences, please visit romerofuneralhomes.com. Romero Funeral Home of Alamosa is in care of the arrangements.