Edward "Hank" Henry Salazar

Edward Henry “Hank” Salazar’s journey here on Earth began on February 13, 1937, in Houston, Texas. He peacefully went home to Heaven on October 3, 2026, at the age of 89. He resided in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and was the beloved son of Isidro “Chilo” Salazar and Antonia Mireles.

Hank devoted his life to God, country, family, friends, and his community, serving alongside his beloved wife. A proud veteran, he honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps and was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus. He worked in the automotive industry with General Motors for over 34 years.

Hank’s light touched so many lives. His love, laughter, music, dancing, and devotion to his family created memories that will live on forever. May his beacon of light continue to shine through each of us who had the blessing of knowing and loving him.

And now, Daddy is home.

We can imagine him dancing in Heaven, with his jazz music playing loudly, surrounded by angels and the family members who welcomed him home. Perhaps he is showing Heaven those famous two dance steps we all knew and loved.

Hank is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Marian D. Salazar.

He leaves behind his beloved children:

Romie Salazar, Edward Henry Salazar Jr., Brandie M. Salazar-Fox, and Christopher A. Fox.

His grandchildren:

Edward Henry Salazar III, Hayden Anthony Salazar, Christopher Romie-Salazar Fox Jr., Sharde A. Briggs, and Danelle L. Salazar, along with five wonderful great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his faithful siblings:

Irene Coronado, John William Salazar, and Mary Helen Sanchez, along with his many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Hank leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, love, music, family, and memories that will never fade.

Daddy, you will always be my 1st love.

Until we meet again, keep dancing in Heaven.

Your music will forever play in our hearts.

I love you, Daddy. Forever and then some.

My name is Brandie Salazar-Fox, and I am Hank Salazar’s daughter.

Today, we are gathered not only to mourn the loss of Hank, but to celebrate the life, love, laughter, faith, and legacy of my first love, my daddy, Edward Henry Salazar.

My father served God, his country, his family, his parish, and his community. A proud veteran, he honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps and was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus. Hank worked in the automotive industry with General Motors for over 34 years. He was also a great patriarch to his siblings and a man who believed in taking care of the people he loved.

Daddy loved music, family, and dancing. And let me tell you, although Daddy only had about two dance steps, those two steps were something special! When he would hit those steps with his famous “uh-ya,” he could make them even tougher when he broke them down to just about any song.

That was Daddy.

Hank had an amazing laugh, the kind of laugh that came straight from his stomach and was so contagious that you couldn't help but laugh right along with him.

And we certainly cannot forget that undeniable walk of his! Mama could spot Daddy from a mile away just by the way he walked. That walk was unmistakably his.

Daddy was my dancing partner since I was little girl. It didn't matter if I couldn't walk, he would just pick me up in his arms, dance, & sing to me. He had a gift of not knowing all the words in the song so he would add his own words at times. Daddy always made me feel beautiful and loved!

Hank was an incredible provider, not just for his immediate family, but for our entire family, including my mother’s side of the family. He believed in taking care of people, and he did it with love.

He always made time for his wife, for me, for my brothers, my husband, and especially for his grandchildren.

Tata loved his grandchildren tremendously. He took them everywhere, made memories with them, laughed with them, played with them, and made sure they had fun. He absolutely even covered for them without the parents knowing. Those memories will live in their hearts forever.

Hank also had a way of helping people through life. He gave advice with sincerity. He listened. He encouraged others. And sometimes, simply knowing Hank was there was enough.

He wasn't just an extraordinary father to me.

He was a father figure to others, too.

Daddy, you touched so many lives, and your presence made a difference in this world.

So today, I want you to know that you can finally rest.

Laugh. Dance. Sing. And listen to all the music your heart desires in Heaven.

You are a son of the King of Kings, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

I know that the love you gave us here on Earth will continue to live through every person you touched and your legacy will proceed on through your lineage.

There will never be enough words to explain how much I love you or how much we will miss you. I will especially miss you coming into the hallway, turning on the light, checking the thermostat, proceeding to our bedroom and telling me "goodnight little girl, I love you!" You have done this all my life in every home we lived in, even my home. No need to call you to let you know I'm home. Now you're in paradise looking over me. Continue with your most softest hands to guide me through the windy storms with God’s power.

Thank you for being my daddy.

Thank you for loving me.

Thank you for protecting me.

Thank you for providing for me.

Thank you for every laugh, every dance, every song, every lesson, every hug, every kiss, every re-direction, and every memory.

You will forever be my first love, my daddy, and a piece of my heart.

Besitos all over your body, Daddy.

Rest peacefully,

You have earned your wings.

Until we meet again.

I love you, Daddy. Forever and then some.

“Your little girl!”