Nelson Ned Salinas

Nelson was born and raised in Sharyland, Texas. Nelson graduated from Sharyland High School in 1996. He later attended South Texas Community College and later transferred to the University of Texas Pan American where he graduated with a Bachelors degree in Political Science. To pay for his education Nelson tiredlessly worked in construction and in the oil rigs. Nelson worked for 3 years for the Migrant Program at McAllen ISD and also spent a year as an 8th grade substitute teacher at La Joya ISD.

Upon graduation from UTPA he moved to Austin to take a job with the Travis County Clerk’s office in the early voting elections division, where he trained poll workers and coordinated day to day operations. Shortly thereafter, he took his first legislative position in the office of State Representative Dora Olivo as a legislative aide and later transitioned as a campaign manager for her successful re-election that produced the greatest re-election margin for a State Representative.

He later went on to take a position as Legislative Director for State Representative Roberto Gutierrez, of McAllen, Texas. Upon several successful legislative sessions with State Rep. Gutierrez, Nelson returned to the Valley and managed the successful re-election campaign for State District Judge Ed Aparacio.

Shortly thereafter Nelson began to work as Chief of Staff for State Representative Yvonne Gonzalez Toureilles. Nelson was currently employed as Governmental Affairs Manager for The Texas Association of Business, Nelson’s love and passion for education drove him to be a strong advocate for policies for the advancement of educational quality for all students of Texas. Nelson Salinas is survived by his loving mother Maria G. Salinas, his siblings; Melibea Salinas, Argelio Salinas and Vianney Salinas Paredes, his nieces and nephews; Veronica Rae Guzman, Jacob Guzman, Donovan Gamez, Danyela Gamez, Allana Paredes, Diego Hipolito and Dominick Gamez. He also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Family will receive friends on Sunday, May 3, 2015 from 4 to 9pm at Funeraria Del Angel Chapel in Mission. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, May 4, 2015 at 11:30 am San Martin de Porres. Interment will follow to Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission. Funeral arrangements and services have been entrusted to the care of Funeraria Del Angel in Mission. A Dignity Memorial Provider.