MSGT USAF Rodolfo "Rudy" Salazar (RET)

Born August 4, 1933 and left this earth May 24, 2016, Rodolfo "Rudy" Salazar was ready to give the world a run for its money. From the very humble beginnings in his hometown of Mission, Texas to the far reaches of the world during his lifelong dedication to the United States Air Force, he was always willing to lend a hand and make the most of every minute. He retired from the Air Force as a Master Sargent but continued through the likes of Northrop, Boeing and McDonnell Douglas to educate members of the Air Force and it's allies for years to come until fully retiring to spend time with his beautiful and equally loved and generous wife, Alice Salazar, who preceded him in death February 5, 2014.

He will always be remembered for his big heart and jokes and will forever live in the hearts of those he encountered while here on Earth. He is also preceded in death by first born daughter Sharon Sharp and fourth born child Scott Salazar. Rudy is survived by his 3 remaining children; daughter Sandy Buser and son in law Edward Buser; daughter Roxy Salazar Canjura and son in law Luis G. Canjura; and son Rodolfo "Rusty" Salazar Jr and son in law Kenneth Earnest. He is survived by his 6 grandchildren; Melissa Gilbert; Kara Stevens and husband, Brad Stevens; Tiffany Rodriguez and David Lomeli; Stacy Perkoski; Joshua Taylor and Kara Pendergrass; and Dante DePersis and wife, Maria DePersis. Rudy is also leaving behind 12 great grandchildren; Tyler Gilbert, Ashton Stevens, Jared Gilbert, Hannah Gilbert, Javi Rodriguez, Ezra McCabe, Richi Rodriguez, Braden Taylor, Noah Gilbert, Gino DePersis, Kasey Stevens, D.J. Taylor, and soon to be Baby Lomeli.

We will always remember the fun times at family gatherings, the Dallas Cowboys, Presidente and that family comes first and foremost. The lessons learned from Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa will stay with us the rest of our lives. We love you and will never forget you. Dance, be happy, and fish eternity away! Don't worry about the mule going blind, just load the wagon! We'll see you again!

A visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm on Friday, May 27, 2016 with a vigil and rosary to follow at 7:00 pm at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2016 at 10:00 am at St Paul Catholic Church at 10,000 David Moore Dr, Austin, TX with burial to follow at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery, 2800 Hancock Dr, Austin, Tx.