Martin Joseph Barcelona

In Loving Memory of Martin “Butch” Joseph Barcelona January 8, 1946 – April 19, 2025 Martin “Butch” Joseph Barcelona, age 79, passed away peacefully at 4:14pm in the presence of his daughter, while they listened to “I got a name” by Jim Croce. Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Butch was a graduate of Baton Rouge High School and a hardworking man who dedicated over 30 years of his life to SGS. Butch was preceded in death by his mother Elma Faye LeJeune Barcelona Buford, his stepfather Joseph Ferdinand Buford, his father Seymour Joseph Barcelona, and his beloved sisters Norma Faye Ray (Virgil “Buddy” Ray), Betty Ann Thoms (Riley Thoms), Rose Marie Funderburk (Jimmie Funderburk), as well as brother-in-law Donald Helmke. He is survived by his sister Carolyn Helmke, his stepdaughter Shannen Bryant and her husband Joey, his cherished daughter Karly Barcelona and her fiancé Adam Barner, and his treasured grandson — lovingly known as Running Bear. He also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss his sharp wit and generous spirit. Butch wore many hats in life: son, brother, Uncle, father, grandfather, friend — and to those who knew him, a jokester, collector, animal magnet, and late-night musician. He was a man of deep feeling and deep stubbornness, always quick with a punchline and slow to let go of the things (and people) he loved. His taste in music was impeccable (by his own high standards), and his ability to tell a story — usually with a mischievous twist — was unmatched. “You Are My Sunshine” will forever echo in the memory of the daughter he lovingly called his “little pumpkin.” After retirement, Butch quickly realized idle life wasn’t for him — a discovery made when his daughter found him asleep in a lawn chair, rake in one hand and a beer in the other. He returned to work not long after, ultimately rounding out more than three decades in his industry. Cancer may have had the last word, but it never dimmed his humor or heart. Though his only grandchild won’t get to experience his “Pawpaw’s” humor firsthand, the love and stories passed down will carry his spirit forward. Butch now joins the many loved ones who went before him, including the great love of his life — his daughter’s mother — who will be front and center, excited to talk about their red-headed grandson. In honor of Butch’s life, his daughter asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in his memory. A special and heartfelt thank you goes to Jamie and Carla at Clarity Hospice, Kaylee, his caretaker and his sister Carolyn — angels walking among us who brought comfort and peace in the final days. Rest easy, Daddy. You sang, I danced, and now we’ll carry your music in our hearts forever. A private Celebration of Life party will be held at a later date for family and friends.