Epigmenio Tamez Salazar

In 1947, his mother Josefa, along with his sister Mela and brother Juven, crossed the Rio Grande—yes, swimming that treacherous river—leaving their beautiful country behind in search of a better life. His destiny led him to Port Isabel, Texas, a place that would forever hold his heart and shape the man he became.

In Port Isabel, Epigmenio was a shrimper, earning an honest living on the shrimp boat “The 7 Brothers – Los 7 Hermanos.” He loved the salty sea air, the smell of bait on his hands, breaking open oyster shells, and gulping them down fresh. The sea was in his blood, and it never left him.

It was also in Port Isabel where he met the love of his life, Eloisa Rubio. They married on November 1, 1965, and later moved to Houston, Texas, where they were blessed with a large and loving family. Together, they raised four sons and two daughters with patience, discipline, humility, and deep love.

Lovingly known as Meño, he was an amazing, fun-loving, generous, hardworking, and devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and big brother. What brought him the greatest joy in life was his grandchildren. Along the way, he adopted many others into his heart and welcomed them as family. His home was always filled with love, laughter, music, and food. No one ever went without—that was the foundation that kept the family whole.

Though shy by nature, his life deserves to be told. He loved music of all kinds—Classical, Motown, country, Mexican rancheras, and everything in between. He exposed his children to many genres, a gift they will always be grateful for. He danced with abandon and sang his heart out. His grandchildren proudly inherited those talents.

A true craftsman, Epigmenio could build just about anything. His hands were skilled, his work honest, and his soul simple. He was incredibly funny—so funny he often drove his wife crazy. How those two ended up together is still a mystery: she was strong, classic, and serious; he was soft, outgoing, and a jokester. Together, they were perfectly balanced.

On Tuesday, December 30th, at 2:15 p.m., Epigmenio passed away peacefully in the loving presence of his family. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know and love him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eloisa Salazar; his parents, Ignacio and Josefa Salazar; his sister, Concepción Ochoa; and his brothers, Juventino and Juan Manuel Salazar.

He is survived by his loving children:

Christina Salazar

Jessica Salazar-Contreras and husband Jose Gerardo Contreras

Martin Salazar and wife Lupita Salazar;

Roger Salazar and partner Cynthia Salinas;

Robert Salazar and partner Richard Fuentes;

David Salazar and wife Maricruz

He is also survived by his many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the pride and joy of his life.

Epigmenio is further survived by his sisters, Manuela “Mela” Dominguez, Elida “Lile” Puente, and Maria J. “Blanca” Aguilera; and his brothers, Jose “Nacho” Salazar, Matias “Tiano” Salazar, Guadalupe “Pito” Salazar, and Alfonso “Ponchy” Salazar; as well as his many nieces and nephews and a very large and loving family.

Services

Epigmenio “Meño” Salazar was an amazing, unforgettable man. His legacy lives on through the love he gave, the family he built, and the sea that forever called him home.