Manuel Ernesto Salinas
Manuel, "Meme" as he was known, passed away on Monday, March 25, 2013. He was born on November 17, 1931, three miles south of Encinal, TX on the Salinas Ranch. His family has a long history in Laredo and Webb County dating back to the 1750's. He was a direct descendant of Tomas Sanchez, founder of Laredo, TX.

The Salinas Ranch had a one-room schoolhouse that Manuel attended for two years. His teachers were Mrs. Nix and his aunt, Mucia Salinas. He also attended elementary school in Zapata and Mary Help of Christians on Houston Street. Later he went to St. Joseph's Academy, Martin High School, and Kemper Military School in Booneville, MO. Manual graduated from Baylor University and attended Baylor Dental School. Throughout his schooling he was a great student, athlete, and outdoorsman. He played football, basketball, and ran track.

Manuel worked extensively in the produce business as a buyer of tomatoes, onions, cantaloupe and cotton. He also bought sesame seed for John Kraft, the youngest of the Kraft brothers. He spent time farming commercially in Apatzingan, Michoacan raising cantaloupe and cotton.

Later he spent twenty years as an independent Landman for various companies leasing properties for oil, gas, and coal exploration.

From Manuel's first marriage to Mickie Gene Marsh of Hebronville, his daughter Jamie Micaela and his son Remy were born. Later he married Lisa Adams from Pecos, TX. They welcomed a daughter, Alexandra Aurora.

Meme was preceded in death by his parents; Jose Maria Salinas and Blanca Aurora Cisneros Hinojosa de Salinas, his late wife Lisa and his three brothers; Carlos, Oscar and Jose Maria (Chema).

He is survived by Julia Watson Jones, lifelong friend and beloved companion, her children James K. Jones, Elizabeth Rubio, Margaret Jones Hopson and their children. His children; Jamie and Jerry Cidzik and sons Courtland Edward and Grayson Cole, Remy Salinas and his son Matthew Kyle Startz, Alexandra and Armando Aguero and sons Armando Jr. (Angelina) and Rogelio Gerardo (Eliana). He is also survived by several great-grandchildren, his dear cousin Margarita Rubio, niece Elma Salinas Ender and nephews Oscar D. and Juan A. Salinas whom he lovingly referred to as "baby." Meme is also survived by numerous other cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends; specially noted Mr. Frank Gutierrez, Mr. Wilson Harris, and Mr. Nelson McCarter.

Manuel was a man of many lifelong passions; he loved life and lived it to the fullest. One of his greatest passions was aviation; he became a pilot while he was still a teenager. He also loved hunting, shooting, ballistics, fishing, ranching, golf, history, science, chess, horticulture, and was an extraordinary cook. He lived his life his way and was on a first name basis with his Lord and Savior. His many loved ones will miss him greatly. He filled a room with his presence and was larger than life itself.

Special thanks to Father Paul Frey, Dr. Monte Allen, Dr. Elsa Canales, Kathleen Bannon, and Altus Hospice Care's RN Jorge Madrigal and his wonderful and loving caretakers; Mirtha Mendoza, Anita Fragoso Jimenez, and Lupita Torres.

Visitations will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2013 at Christ Church Episcopal in Laredo, TX from 4:00 - 8:00 pm with a prayer service at 6:30 pm.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 29, 2013 at Christ Church Episcopal in Laredo, TX at 9:30 am, Father Paul Frey celebrant. Everyone that wishes to attend the services shall meet at church. Departure will follow with a procession to the Encinal City Cemetery for a graveside service at 12:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Manuel's name to Christ Church Episcopal, 2320 Lane St., Laredo, TX 78043, the Encinal Cemetery Association,  P.O. Box 435, Encinal, TX 78019, or MD Anderson Cancer Center Gastrointestinal Department, email giving@mdanderson.org .