He was a Vietnam Veteran who proudly served his country and an incredibly brave man, especially in the end. His strength knew no bounds.
He spent his childhood days growing up with his brother Juan (Susana) Salinas and sister Francisca (Gilberto ✝️) Davila making countless memories with friends in their old San Juan neighborhood. He was a headstrong boy, who ran from the school nuns and dreamed so big, he thought his cape would actually help him fly off the roof of the house (spoiler alert: it didn’t).
He proudly enlisted in the US Army and served in the Vietnam War. By such a young age, he had faced the unimaginable and was blessed to return back home safely. He received the Purple Heart and numerous honors for his service. For him, the battle continued after he returned home and he will always be one of the strongest fighters we have ever known.
Above all else, he was a husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and great grandfather. He is survived by his wife Imelda Salinas; his children David (Janie) Salinas, Javier (Tracy Smith) Salinas, and Melissa (Rick) Reyes; his grandchildren Vivyanne, Mercedes, Marie, Bethany, and Luca; and great grandchildren Serenity and Adaline.
We know he has been welcomed into Heaven by so many loved ones who have preceded him, especially his mother and father, Juan and Cruz Salinas; many aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, as well as, some very beloved pets.
He was a wild card who loved to laugh and chase the rain. He listened to music with his every ounce of his heart and loved to dance. He always had the biggest and longest laugh and he never missed a chance to sit outside and enjoy a good breeze. All of this was his happy place and we find comfort in knowing his spirit is free to enjoy it all again.
Simply put, he was a man who did it his way and in the end he was surrounded by love.
We would especially like to thank Nora, Elsa, Richard, Patricia, Sara, all of the nurses and staff at the Alfredo Gonzalez State Nursing Home for their unwavering support, care, and patience.
Visitation will be held at Funeraria Del Angel Palm Valley, 4607 North Sugar Road, Pharr, Texas 78577, on September 14, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. A Rosary will be held there on September 14, 2026, at 7:00 pm.
A Catholic Service will be held at Funeraria Del Angel Palm Valley, 4607 North Sugar Road, Pharr, Texas 78577, on September 15, 2026, at 9:30 am. A Committal Service will follow at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery, 2520 Inspiration Rd, Mission, TX 78572, US, on September 15, 2026, from 11:00 am to 11:15 am.
Military Honors to be conducted by McAllen Post 8788.
Funeral services are under the direction of Funeraria del Angel Palm Valley in Pharr.
