Rev. Joel Perez Salas

The Reverend Joel Perez Salas was called into eternal glory with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 27, 2025. Born on June 2, 1942, in Austin, Texas, Rev. Salas dedicated over fifty years of his life to faithfully serving the United Methodist Church, first as a deacon and soon after as an ordained elder. He graduated from St. Edward’s University and earned his master’s degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in 1980.

Rev. Salas was uniquely gifted in turning his faith into action, bringing growth and vitality to every church he served. His welcoming spirit and loving counsel were deeply intertwined with his service to the community. His fervor for God's work was unwavering, and he was always ready to preach his next sermon, right up until his final day.

Throughout his life, Rev. Salas faced immense personal hardships, including the loss of beloved family members, yet he never wavered in his faith. He chose to find joy in every circumstance, seeing the beauty of God's creation in everyone he encountered. His heart’s mission was clear: to ensure that not one of His Lambs would be lost. He is deeply missed by all who knew him.

Rev. Salas was predeceased by his parents, Manuel and Dorcas Salas, Sr.; siblings Manuel Salas, Jr., Mary Ann Salas, Dolores Salas; and his son, Joel Salas, Jr. (Margaret).

Rev. Salas is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 64 years, Esther Salinas Salas, a testament to their profound and enduring love for each other. He is also survived by his daughters, Norma Jean Metevier (Chris) and Sandra Salas Horne (Ethan), and his cherished grandchildren, Madelyn Renee Metevier and Mark Christopher Metevier.

The service to celebrate Rev. Joel Perez Salas will be 10:00 AM on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in the Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 200 Brushy Street, Austin, Texas 78702. The entombment will follow at 1:00 PM in the Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery Mausoleum.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Ethan Horne, Mark Metevier, Roy Salas, Ruben Salinas, Abel Rodriguez, Hector Pacheco, Omar Esquivel and Javier Esquivel. The Honorary Pallbearers will be Cathy Requejo, Madelyn Metevier, Homer Esquivel, Jr. and Tomas Esquivel.

In lieu of flowers, Rev. Salas would have been deeply honored by any donations made to the Emmanuel United Methodist Church roof fund, a cause he held dear. Please consider supporting this meaningful tribute in his memory.