Mr. Juan R. Salazar's Obituary
JUAN RICARDO SALAZAR went home to our Lord, in his 90th year, on the 14th of December 2015. Juan was born October 20, 1925 to Pedro and Maria Salazar in La Feria, Texas.
He met his wife of more than 65 years while working in a mainstream pharmacy in November 1942. After a four-month courtship they wed in Mission, Texas on June 3, 1943. In January 1944, Juan proudly joined the Navy and fought in WWII. He was assigned to the USS O’Brian Destroyer—serving as ship’s cook as well as pointer and loader for the 40mm anti-aircraft guns. He obtained the rank of Chief Petty officer, second class. While serving his country, his wife and first son, Richard, relocated to Corpus Christi, Texas. In all, they had five children-Richard, Elia, George, Teresa, and Rudy. In 1964, the family became owners of the Dandy Donuts shop located on Ayers Street in Corpus Christi. In 1972, the family moved to Houston, Texas. He was a manager of the Sage store food court for several years and then into the insurance business before retiring. Juan was a solemn Catholic and a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church.
He is preceded in death by his wife Mary Wilkins Salazar, his eldest son Richard Salazar and Richard’s son (his grandson) Robert Salazar of Corpus Christi as well as his brothers Adam and Jesus Salazar and sister Lupe Salazar. He will be lovingly remembered by his children Ellie Castillo (Johnny), George A. Salazar (Lydia), Teresa "Terrie" Salazar and Rudy Salazar. Juan will also be remembered by his grandchildren Cynthia Ferdin (Roy) of Corpus Christi, Richard Salazar, Jr. (Beverly) of Huntsville, Alabama, Roger Salazar of Beeville, Texas, Ronnie Salazar of Corpus Christi, John Robert Martinez (Debbie) of Pearland, Texas, Patricia Agag (Hany) of Astoria, New York, Victoria Salazar-Angell (Bryan) of Austin, Texas, Israel Salazar of Houston, Texas and Sabryna Salazar of Austin, Texas. He also leaves behind his beloved several great grandchildren. The family would like to express their sincerest and heartfelt thanks to each and every caregiver of Afton Oaks Nursing Home (Houston, Texas). As they did with Juan’s wife, Mary, before, they cared for him as though he were family.
He will be remembered for his heart to help children by supporting the Save the Children for many years. Juan also donated to many different charities. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Corpus Christi. He is fondly remembered for his continued joy watching Walker Texas Ranger series, with equal enthusiasm. The family will hold a private funeral. Juan will join his beloved wife, Mary, at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.
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