David Salinas

He was born on April 11, 1944, in Pharr, Texas. He worked in the fields with his family while growing up with a work ethic that would serve him well for the rest of his life. He enlisted in the Army in 1971 at the age of 27 years as an Infantryman and later as a Communications Specialist. During his military service, he was stationed in Germany, Korea, Fort Bragg, NC, Fort Huachuca, AZ, and deployed to Honduras. While in the military he earned his high school diploma, a significant accomplishment given that he had to quit school in 8th grade to work with his family.

He met the love of his life, Elizabeth Salinas, and they were married in Augusta, Georgia, in 1989. He retired from the Army in 1992 after 20 years of service. Upon retirement, he completed his Associates Degree in Accounting at the University of Texas-Pan American. He started working as a substitute custodian at the local high schools in the Valley, eventually being promoted to Head Custodian at Nikki Rowe High School where we worked from 1998 to 2011. No matter the task, David put forth 100% effort and took great pride in his work and education. He lived out his retirement spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, traveling, and eating at his favorite restaurants. He was an optimist, always appreciating even the simplest pleasures in life, and using his humor through life’s challenges. Even as he lived out his final months, he made those around him laugh with his jokes to remind everyone that life is meant to be enjoyed. David crossed over to be with God on the morning of Saturday, August 14, 2021.

He is preceded in death by his father Lucio Salinas, mother Rosalia Rodriguez Salinas, brothers Santiago Salinas, Samuel Salinas, Lazaro Salinas, Eduardo Salinas, Francisco Salinas, and sisters Sarah Preston and Florentina Chapa.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Elizabeth and their children Juan and Malorie, along with his son David, daughters Victoria, Yvonne, and Katrina, 13 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his brothers Frank Salinas, Israel Salinas, and Guadalupe Salinas, sister Isabel Alvarez, and many nieces and nephews.

All who truly knew him loved him with full hearts and will forever treasure David’s memory, a devoted husband, loving father, a kind and generous soul.

Until we see you again. May you rest in peace now.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 from 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm at Funeraria Del Angel, with the Memorial Service at 6:00 pm.

The Graveside Service and Military Honors will take place Thursday, August 19, 2021 at 10:00 am.