Abraham Reyna

Abraham was born on December 14, 1940 in Brawley, California. He was the third child and firstborn son to Francisco and Felipa Reyna. As a youngster he attended school in various cities since his father was a farm laborer.  Being the only son for several years he was spoiled by his sisters, until the birth of his brother David in 1947. 

He soon joined the work force with his family in the fields picking what ever fruits or vegetables were in season. Eventually he became proficient in driving trucks loaded with oranges to be delivered to packing houses. Eventually the Francisco, Felipa and family moved to Visalia, California.  In 1959 cruising the Oval Park and parking at The Village Hamburger Stand, Abraham was introduced to Esther Rodriguez by their mutual friend Ruben Rascon.

Abraham worked in Los Angeles, California for 1 year (staying with his Sister Sarah) to save money to marry Esther. Abraham and Esther were married February 4, 1961 in Visalia, California at Esther’s parents home on Encina Street. 1972 Abraham and Esther. Purchased a home in Farmersville, California and lived there for many years.  Abraham always knew one day he would be baptized and serve The Lord. In December 1967, Abraham was baptized by Pastor Arturo Alvarez in Woodlake, California.  In 1970, While a member of The Apostolic Church on Sweet Street, Abraham was set aside for the ministry by Pastor Eduardo Reyes.  Seeing a need for a place to worship the Lord, Abraham and Esther began holding services in a small white two story building on Orange Street in Exeter, CA, New Years Eve December 31, 1973. Abraham led the congregation from the Little White Church to the current location on the Triangle in Exeter. Abraham always worked to support his Family while serving as Pastor.  Abraham had a profound love for studying the word of God. He would stay up late into the night reading his Bible. 

Abraham was always interested in solving mechanical problems, designing and setting up equipment in all aspects of industry. He completed jobs at Knudsens Dairy, FMC, Diamond Walnut, and numerous packing houses throughout the San Joaquin Valley. One of his earliest jobs in 1972 was installing a peach packing house in Johnston, South Carolina. In the late 1980’s when packing houses were becoming computerized Abraham set up a fruit sizing packing house on the Big Island of Hawaii. We don’t remember what kind of fruit, as we did not have any interest in it at the time. The one project that is the most visible in Exeter is the staircase on the side of the Mayfair Packing (now Sunkist Growers) building. Denise refers to it as the “Staircase To Heaven”.

Abraham spend his final years of his life living in the country, building and creating things, picking fruit and enjoying the sounds his Great-grand kids playing outdoors. Abraham is preceded in death by his parents, Francisco and Felipa Reyna, Wife Esther Reyna, Brother David Reyna, Sisters Mary Porras and Susanna Reyna and Grandson Joseph Abraham Doria.

Abraham is survived by daughters: Denise and Herb Doria of Lemoore, Sarah and Brian Clements of Amarillo, Tx., Christine and Robert Beer of Visalia and Lea and Alonzo Padilla of Visalia. Grandchildren listed by order of birth: Micah Mosqueda of Visalia, Caleb Barajas of Visalia, Kezia Reyna of Visalia, Luke Barajas of Visalia, Josh Beer of Tulare, Misha Vega of Phoenix, Az. Alyssa Sharp of St. George, Ut., Elizabeth Doria of Lemoore, Isaiah and Levi Padilla of Visalia.  Great-Grandchildren: Eli Reyna-Minjarez, Hannah Mosqueda, Daniel Mosqueda, Grace Mosqueda, Isaac Mosqueda, Ezra Mosqueda and Audrey Barajas all of Visalia. Additionally Abraham is survived by Sisters Sarah Prieskorn, Isabel Reyna, Ruth Chavez, Esther Shahan, Naomi Reyna, Tabita Hall, Francis Dina Reyna, Loida Rodarte and Rebecca Bechtel, Brothers Daniel Reyna, Frank Reyna and Josias Reyna. 

A Funeral service will take place on Friday, March 1, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. at Smith Family Chapel, Exeter. Directly following services will be burial at the Exeter District Cemetery.....

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