Ralph E. Salinas

It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of Ralph E. Salinas, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who left us peacefully in the comfort of his home surrounded by family on February 10, 2026, at the age of 88 years old in San Antonio, Texas. Ralph was born in Crystal City, Texas, on September 7, 1937, to Eduardo S. Salinas and Juanita Navarro. Ralph grew up with a strong sense of family, faith, and hard work, values he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy he began his education attending Catholic School in Asherton, Texas, and continued his education in Crystal City, where he graduated in 1957. Determined to build a bright future, Ralph earned his Associate’s Degree from Southwest Texas Junior College, followed by his Bachelor’s Degree from Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. Never one to stop striving for more, he completed his academic journey by earning a Master’s degree from Texas A&I University in Kingsville, Texas. His dedication to education was not only an achievement, but a reflection of his quiet determination and deep belief in bettering himself for the sake of his family and those he served.

Ralph devoted his life to serving others, especially the children and families of Carrizo Springs. Over 39 remarkable years with Carrizo Springs CISD, he wore many hats—classroom teacher, elementary and junior high Principal, visiting teacher, Director of Community Education, and Director of Maintenance and Operations, but no matter the title, his heart always remained the same. He believed deeply in guiding, supporting, and strengthening the schools that shaped his community. He wasn’t just an educator or administrator; he was a mentor, a steady presence, and a source of encouragement to generations of students and colleagues.

His spirit of service extended beyond the classroom. Ralph proudly served four years in the Texas National Guard, answering the call with courage and dedication to his country. Ralph Salinas was a true pillar of Carrizo Springs, giving his time and leadership as a City Council Member for 10 years and was elected and served as Mayor of Carrizo Springs for 19 years—12 of those being consecutive. Ralph also served on the Board of Directors for Dimmit County Memorial Hospital, the Dimmit County Medical Association, and the Dimmit County United Fund. He was the Migrant Consultant for the Texas Education Agency for the states of Nebraska and Ohio. Ralph also served as Migrant Director in Leipsic, Ohio, for the summers of 1972-1975, which was the largest migrant center in the State of Ohio. Ralph’s leadership was grounded in humility, integrity, and an unwavering love for the town he called home. Ralph didn’t just serve his community, he helped shape it, strengthen it, and care for it just like he did his own family.

Ralph’s life was a beautiful reflection of the nature of his caring heart. He didn’t just belong to organizations, he believed it was his duty to always look for ways to lift others up. As a charter member of the Carrizo Springs Evening Lions Club and a member of the Zavala County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, he worked tirelessly to uphold the ties in his community. Ralph found special joy in guiding young people, serving as a Little League

Baseball Coach, Director of Pee Wee Football, and a devoted Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader. Ralph believed in always showing up, on the field, at meetings, and wherever he was needed most.

Above all, Ralph’s faith served as the foundation of his life. He was a devoted Catholic and longtime Parishioner of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Carrizo Springs. Ralph embodied his beliefs daily through kindness, humility, and a deep love for his family and community. His legacy is not only in the titles he held, but in the countless lives he touched with his kindhearted spirit.

Ralph shared a beautiful love story with his beloved wife, Rosario Talamantez Salinas, for 64 wonderful years. Together, he and Rosario raised three loving children, Gloria, Ralph Jr., and Raquel. Ralph and Rosario raised them with strong foundations of faith, encouragement, and endless affection. Their marriage symbolized a partnership that was built on true love, devotion, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to loving and supporting each other. He was her steady hand to hold, her greatest supporter, and her lifelong companion. Ralph was always present and ready with thoughtful advice, a reassuring embrace, or one of his hearty laughs that could light up any room. The sound of his laughter and the comfort of his presence will be deeply missed, but the love he gave so freely will live on in the hearts of all those who knew him.

Ralph treasured his time hunting at the family ranch in Dimmit County, where the quiet of the land and the beauty of nature brought him peace. Those days at the ranch were more than a pastime, they were moments of reflection, tradition, and connection to the life he loved.

He was also a proud and loyal Dallas Cowboys fan, cheering them on with the same enthusiasm he brought to everything he did. Some of his happiest moments were spent surrounded by his family and his many beloved grandchildren, whose laughter filled him with pride and joy. He loved listening to country westerns, oldies, and ranchera music. Ralph also enjoyed the excitement of trips to the casinos, completing crossword puzzles, and, most especially, firing up the grill to barbecue for those he loved. He took great pride in preparing meals for his family, always making sure everyone had plenty to eat. Through these simple but meaningful joys, Ralph created countless memories that his family will forever hold close to their hearts.

Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, Eduardo S. Salinas Jr and Juanita Navarro. Grandparents Eduardo Salinas and Consuelo G. Salinas, and his brother Eusevio N. Salinas. He is survived by his loving wife Rosario T. Salinas. Children, Gloria Salinas Sanchez, Ralph E. Salinas Jr., (Cynthia), Raquel Salinas Guerrero (George). Grandchildren, Amanda Sanchez-Engel, (Robert), Steven E.Vilo Sanchez (Kimberly), Brittany Sanchez, and Clarissa N. Guerrero. Great grandchild, Allison Olivia Engel. Surviving sisters, Maria Salinas Hernández and Alicia S. Flores and by numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers: Eusevio Salinas Jr, Edward Salinas, George Guerrero, Ralph E. Salinas Jr., John Talamantez, and Robert Engel.

Honorary Pallbearers: Steven E. Vilo Sanchez, Tommy Salinas, Raymond Flores, and John Isbell.

A visitation will be held at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, located at 6321 Bandera Road, San Antonio, TX 78238, on March 3, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. A rosary will be recited at the same venue on March 3, 2026, at 7:00 pm.

The funeral mass will be celebrated on March 4, 2026, at St. Brigid Catholic Church, 6907 Kitchener St, San Antonio, TX 78240, at 10:30 am.

The committal service will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX 78218, on March 4, 2026, at 12:15 pm.

The family of Ralph E. Salinas wishes to extend our sincerest thanks to Summit Home Health and Hospice. Our sincerest thanks to our nephew John Talamantez through his loving care allowed his Uncle Ralph to remain at home with his family on his final days.