John Salem

John “Johnny” Salem was born on December 18, 1929, in Port Arthur, Texas, to Gertrude (Hartman) and John Peter Salem. A graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, he went on to serve his country in the United States Army as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division and as an Army Ranger during the Korean War.

Following his honorable discharge, Johnny married Alice Faye Brantley on February 14, 1954. Their marriage of 64 years was a testament to enduring love and partnership, and together they raised five cherished children.

Johnny began his career working with his father at Salem Drug Company before relocating to Marble Falls in 1976. There he established Salem’s Inc., a successful enterprise of fine jewelry stores and a clothing and gift boutique that has served the Hill Country community for over five decades. He also owned the Salem’s Center retail complex, a prominent fixture in Marble Falls.

A man of service, Johnny devoted more than 65 years to Rotary and Rotary International, held leadership roles in the Masonic Lodge, and contributed to numerous organizations including the Boys and Girls Club, Emmaus, Boys Ranch, Scottish Rite, and his church, where he taught Sunday school.

Johnny will be remembered for his humor, his Cajun storytelling, his love of the outdoors, and his remarkable ability to repair anything with an engine. His hands, his heart, and his laughter enriched the lives of all who knew him.

He is survived by his five children, Tommy Salem and wife Patti of Marble Falls, Tx, Ricky Salem and wife Karen of Buchannan Dam, Tx, Susan Judice and husband Kevin of Kingsland, Tx, Wayne Salem and wife Julie of Spicewood, Tx, Kay Osbourn and husband Jamie of Llano, Tx and 12 grandchildren: Ashlee, Amanda, Chrissy, Blake, Aaron, Jess, Staci, Morgan, Brantley, Taylor, Linsey and Emma, and 4 step-grandchildren: Shawn, Scott, Sterlin, and Heather, 16 great-grandchildren: Lucas, Rylee, Aldon, Nolan, Knox, Noah, Kinley, Kyler, Lane, Tori, Chris, Jack, Charlee, Tatum, Wyatt, and baby Crew and 4 step-greatgrandchildren: Dane, Ivey, Miley, and McKenna, his twin siblings Glenn John Salem and Glenda John Salem. Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Faye and older sister Betty John Staton.

Visitation: Sunday 11/8 5-7 pm, Clements Wilcox Funeral Home 1805 Hwy 281 Marble Falls, Texas.

Funeral Service: Monday 11/9 11am, First Baptist Church 901 La Ventana Dr, Marble Falls, Texas.

In lieu of flowers donation may be made to the Rotary Foundation, First Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.