Jesus Garcia Salas' Obituary
In Loving Memory of Jesus Garcia Salas February 10, 1938 – September 11, 2025 It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Jesus G. Salas, affectionately known to family and friends as ‘Chuy’ or ‘Jesse.’ He entered eternal rest surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on February 10, 1938, in Robstown, Texas, Jesus was the cherished son of Francisco Z. Salas and Maria G. Salas. He is preceded in death by his parents, all of his siblings; +Eulalia S. Ramon with her husband +Jose, her twin sister +Eulatia Salas, +Frank Salas with his wife Amelia, +Santos Salas with his wife +Elisa, +Maria S. Salazar with her husband Americo, +Teresa S. Bayardo with her husband +Santiago; his granddaughter, +Daniela Nicole Lewis. With his passing, an era of the Salas Family’s faith, love, and respect, rooted in the example of his parents, has been entrusted to future generations. Their legacy will live on forever.
As a young boy, Jesus loved being at his father’s side in the cotton fields, where he learned the value of hard work and the importance of helping others. From those early lessons, he grew into a man whose life was defined by compassion, devotion, and love for family. On August 26, 1958, Jesus married the love of his life, Matilde Vasquez, and together they built a beautiful marriage of 67 years. Their journey took them from Robstown to Odessa, where Jesus began working at General Motors, and later to Houston, where he worked tirelessly to provide for his growing family. Whether driving a taxi, working for Blue Ribbon Meats, or starting his own Salas Express Bus Service, Jesus embraced every opportunity with courage and determination.
Music was always in his soul. A proud Tejano at heart, Jesse lit up every dance floor with his rhythm, style, and joy. He was known for his signature sayings,“¡Cómo no!,” “Thumbs up!,” and “Testing, testing, one, two, three… uno, dos, tres!”and for his ability to make others laugh and feel welcome. As a DJ and fundraiser at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, he became affectionately known as “Mr. DJ, the Cool Cat or Mr. Jesse,” creating unforgettable Friday Night Discos at the SPN that brought joy and community to many. With his wife’s excellent cooking, Jesse later launched a family catering business. Weekends were filled with weddings, quinceañeras, and parties that were moments that blended hard work with the joy of serving others. Jesse went on to work for Houston ISD where his brother Frank joined him. Their retirement party became legendary when the two surprised everyone with their own version of “Gangnam Style.” Jesse giving it, of course, his own Tejano twist. Above all, Jesse’s greatest pride and joy was his family.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Matilde, and their children: Armando Salas, whose children are David Matthew Gallegos, Lena Victoria Gallegos with her husband Fred Gonzales, and John Paul Gallegos; Mary Ann S. Cantú with her husband Jorge, along with their children Angela Marie Gonzalez with her husband Antonio and Marcos Antonio Cantú with his wife Maritssa; Jacqueline S. Lewis with her husband Thomas, with their children Ricardo Thomas Lewis, Thomas Christopher Lewis with his wife Sadie, Diana Elaine Cruz with her husband Christopher, Andreana Renee Lewis with her wife Brenda, and Veronica S. Villanueva with her husband Manuel, and their son Vicente Jesus Villanueva with Mia Cruz, as well as daughters Monique Crain and Olivia Villanueva; and Sofia S. Tucker with her husband Edward, together with their children Adam Spangler with his wife Monica, Justin Spangler with his wife Nora, Kylie Furiana with her husband Matt, Leticia Nicole Tucker and Miguel Andres Tucker. Together, Jesse and Matilde’s love multiplied into a legacy of 20 grandchildren, 31 greatgrandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. To know Jesse was to know the joy of family, music, and community. His memory will forever dance in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Honored to serve as Pallbearers are his Grandsons, Ricardo and Thomas C. Lewis, David Gallegos, Marcos Cantu, Vicenté Villanueva, and Miguel Tucker. His honorary pallbearers that will be escorting his casket are his Great Grandson’s, David Gallegos Jr., Joseph Lewis, Axton Cantu, Michael, Domenick and Elijah Villanueva.
Jesus will be having a visitation at South Park Funeral Home at 1310 North Main Street, Pearland, Texas 77581, on Monday, September 29, 2025 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM, with a rosary to take place at 7:00PM. A Funeral Service will be held at St. Helen’s Catholic Church, located on 2209 Old Alvin Rd, Pearland, TX 77581 on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at 11:30AM. Interment will follow at South Park Cemetery, 1310 North Main St., Pearland, TX 77581.
What’s your fondest memory of Jesus?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jesus?
Share a story where Jesus' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jesus you’ll never forget.
How did Jesus make you smile?