Jesus Salvador Arispe

December 11, 1942 – January 29, 2024

Jesus Salvador (“Sal”) Arispe of San Antonio went to be with the Lord on Monday, January 29th. He was born to Salvador Arizpe Rodriguez and Maria Isabel Gonzalez-Arizpe in 1942 in Sabinas, Mexico. Sal was preceded in death by his parents.

Sal is survived by his wife and love of his life, Judy Kay Holman Arispe; Sister Lina Isabel Arizpe Mitchell (husband Neal); Brother Ricardo Arispe; Nephew Shane N. Mitchell (wife Rebecca); Niece Misty M. Mitchell-Arizpe de Garcia (husband David); Grand-Nephews Shane Alexander, Hudson Grey, and Griffin Gage Mitchell; and close friends.

Sal had completed 2-1/2 years of primary school in Agujita, Coahuila, Mexico before immigrating to the US in 1952 at the age of 9 with his Mother and little sister. They came to San Antonio to join his Father, who was in the US Army at Fort Sam Houston. He attended Pershing Elementary not knowing one word of English; yet when he was promoted to Emerson Junior High, he tested out of 7th grade after only one week. He went on to graduate from Highland High School in 1963.

He served in the US Army Reserves from 1965 until 1969 and became a United States citizen in 1966. He was assigned to the 238th Maintenance Company and served a tour of duty from 1968 to 1969 in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam.

In 1971, he moved to the Houston area and made a lifetime career as a Union Insulator for the Frost & Heat Insulators and Allied Workers (F&HI&AW) alongside his best workmate, Stan Reames. His workplaces included oil refineries in the Houston area and also in other facilities in various other states. Sal retired on January 1, 2006 and received hig 50-year pin in the F&HI&AW Brotherhood in 2021.

In 1977, he married the love of his life, Judy Kay Holman, in Reserve, New Mexico. They bought their first home in 1978 in League City TX where they lived for 34 years where they both enjoyed working in their yard and garden and raising their pets. During his worklife, he bravely fought and won two cancer battles in 1978 and 2010. In 2011, he and Judy would move to San Antonio from to be closer to family.

Sports were a big part of his life in his first 30 years. Sal participated in baseball, football, basketball, track, and rodeos.

- Lettered in football and track at Emerson—in 1958 his teams won the Football Bi-District Championship and the City Track Championship.

- Was one of the true “Boys of Summer.” Co-captained his Little League and Babe Ruth Leagues at Fort Sam Houston where he was recognized for his hitting skills. As an adult, he went on to play in San Antonio’s Southside and Hot Wells Leagues and also for his US Army Reserve baseball team (238th Maintenance Company).

- Lettered In basketball at Highlands High School. Little did he know then that eight years later, one of his teammates would become his brother-in-law.

- Enjoyed deer hunting in central Texas. His Mother would always be ready to dress his deer when he’d get home around 2 am.

- Followed the Rodeo Circuit with his best pal Jerry Derby; won the 1968 Champion Bareback Rider buckle at the Uvalde Rodeo; and also competed in the Saddle-Bronc riding events. He coordinated international rodeo events with contacts in Monclova, Coahuila, and in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, where his team of cowboys performed in rodeo events. In retirement, he avidly followed the Professional Bull Riders competitions on-line and on television.

After moving to San Antonio, he became a member of the 238th Maintenance Company Association in San Antonio; enjoyed working in his yard; keeping his wife and pets happy, and getting together with family and friends. On occasion, Sal & Judy would travel with his sister and brother-in-law to the Big Bend area to enjoy the peace and tranquility of West Texas; attend rock and blues concerts; and go to Professional Bull Rider competitions. For the past seven years, he enjoyed weekly Wednesday breakfasts at Chile Verde with his best friends: brother-in-law Neal, Mike Kelley and Tom Froelick.

Sal lived a full, active life for 81 years until Jan 22, 2023, when he fell and was admitted into the Audie Murphy Veterans Administration Hospital. One week later, God wrapped His arms around Sal and carried him home. His faithful wife and family know that they will see him again when God is ready to take them home.

Sal will be remembered for his loyalty to family and friends; his thoughtfulness; easy-going nature; always-ready-to-lend-a-hand spirit, story-telling, and humor. He will live on in our memories and in our hearts.

His close family and friends honored him in a reception and service at the Sunset Funeral Home followed by military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Rest in peace, beloved husband, brother, uncle, and great-uncle.