Saragosa Salinas

Penitas – Saragosa Salinas, 90, went into eternal rest on Thursday, September 17, 2015, surrounded by his family at Barcelona Assisted Living in McAllen. Saragosa was born on November 3, 1924 to Ruperto and Andrea Salinas on Jarachinas Ranch. He lived most of his life as a rancher and resided in Tierra Blanca. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Lauro Salinas, Bartolo Salinas, Natividad Salinas and Jose Melito Salinas; and his sisters, Manuelita Longoria, Mercedes Longoria, Gabriela Garza, Amparo Garza and Maria Garza. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Maria Eva Salinas and his six children, Zaragosa “Eddie” (Kathy) Salinas; Elma (Rene) Garcia; Mario (Ida) Salinas; Diana (Richard) Flores; Jose Eloy (Laura) Salinas; Jose Leroy (Letty) Salinas. He was adored and survived by his 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Saragosa was drafted into World War II in 1945 when he was a junior in high school and was assigned to the 121st Evacuation Hospital in Korea as a medical technician. While serving in the war, Salinas earned several honors, including, the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Campaign Ribbon, the Occupational Ribbon and the Japan Victory Ribbon. Salinas was a big believer in education, so much so, that he served on the La Joya Independent School District’s Board of Trustees in the mid-60’s. Salinas was not able to finish high school due to the draft; however, with the help of the Texas Education Agency, La Joya ISD awarded him his high school diploma in 2014 for proudly serving our country. Salinas was a real cowboy and lived a simple and humble life, and was happiest at home on the ranch. During his final days, he was taken care of with the upmost care by his two providers, Alicia Gonzalez and Martha de los Angeles. The Salinas family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of Rio Grande Regional Hospital and Barcelona Assisted Living for providing our hero with tender, love and care. Viewing for Saragosa Salinas will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 20 and on Monday, September 21 a rosary will be held on both nights at 7:00 p.m. at L&I Funeral Home in Penitas. Funeral will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 22 at Our Lady Queen of Angels Church in La Joya, burial will follow at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of The Lord and I Funeral Home of Penitas, Texas.

Saragosa Salinas

November 3, 1924 - September 17, 2015