Arnoldo Salinas, age 82, peacefully entered into eternal rest surrounded by his loving family on Friday, Jan. 27, 2023. He was born in Hebronville, TX on July 14, 1940, to Jose R. & America Salinas.
Arnoldo was a 1959 graduate of William Adams High School in Alice, TX. Upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy from which he was honorably discharged. After returning from his enlistment he enrolled in Texas A&I University in Kingsville, TX, where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Elementary Education. He went on to earn a Master’s of Science degree with a certificate of Administrative Leadership.
In 1970, Arnoldo married his best friend and love of his life, Lamar T. Salinas. They embarked on a 52-year journey together where they educated young minds, built businesses, including the infamous Adrian’s Drive-In, the Luckiest Lotto Store in Town. They also traveled, volunteered their time to the church, taught CCD, and attended St. Joseph Catholic Church where they were life-long members.
Arnoldo began his career teaching 6th grade at Mary R. Garcia Elementary School, he went on to serve as Principal at Memorial School and then as Director of Bilingual Education, before finally serving as Director of Operations where he retired from Alice ISD after 43 years of public service. Arnoldo also served as a council member on the Alice City Council, member of the Jim Wells County Appraisal District Board, and as President of the Pan American Golf Association.
As a young man, he was part of Los Mutualistas baseball team. He was passionate about golf (and very proud of his hole-in-one) and also a proud member of the 60 Plus Golf Club. Arnoldo loved to hunt and watch his favorite baseball team, the Houston Astros. He also enjoyed gardening, bird watching, and most importantly spending time with his loving family.
Arnoldo is preceded in death by his parents Jose & America Salinas and in-laws Lalo & Carmen Treviño and his sister, Olinda Gonzalez. He is survived by his brothers and sisters, Maria Antonia Arebalo, Aminta (Abelardo) Perez, Janie (Ramon) Muñoz, Lesvia (Pete) Garcia, Ben (Mirelda) Salinas, and his brother-in-law Alejandro Gonzalez and 18 nieces & nephews, 42 great nieces & nephews, and 7 great great nieces & nephews.
Special thanks to his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Mary and Ed Gonzalez and their daughter Melissa for their selfless dedication to Arnoldo’s care. The family would also like to thank Altus Hospice Care, Mi Casa Home Health, and Med Shield EMS Service.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 31, 2023 from 5 till 9 p.m. at Rosas Funeral Home with a holy rosary being recited at 7 p.m. A funeral mass will be celebrated Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial to follow at New Collins Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers will be Ben Salinas Jr., Joey Salinas, Adrian Salinas, Sammy Arebalo, Pete Garcia Jr., and Jose Perez. Honorary pallbearers will be Ben Salinas III, Isaiah Salinas, Jojo Salinas, and AJ Salinas, Ed Gonzalez, and Larry Soza.
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Alice ISD Education Foundation.
Funeral arrangements entrusted with ROSAS FUNERAL HOME, INC.