Isaias M. (Ike) Salinas, of Corpus Christi passed away Tuesday at the age of 83 after a short illness.
Ike was born on January 12, 1933 in Benavides, Texas. Ike spent his childhood in Bishop, Texas. Ike's family then moved to Corpus Christi, Texas where he lived most of his life.
If you knew Ike, you remember him always smiling and telling a joke, he loved life.
Ike was a United States Air Force Korean War veteran. He served his country in the Philippines repairing military aircraft. He would climb into the wing of the plane while in flight to repair the aircraft. He was very proud of his service to his country.
Ike and his wife Maggie owned Coastal Sheet Metal on Leopard Street for 25 years. He was known as an expert craftsman including doing work for the department of defense and the refineries.
Ike served on numerous boards in Corpus Christi, including the Spohn Foundation Board. As Chairman of the Hispanic Republicans of Nueces County, Ike met with President Reagan at the White House witnessing the signing of a proclamation declaring National Hispanic Heritage Week. Ike fondly recalled President Reagan calling him over to sit near him.
Ike and his wife Maggie shared an incredible love and did everything together. They built a business and raised a family all under the blessings of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Ike was a member of St. Pius Catholic church and volunteered extensively for many Catholic churches in Corpus Christi. He went to church every day.
A beautiful Native American statute can be found at the Corpus Christi Museum that was donated in part by Ike and Maggie.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Jesus and
Modesta Salinas and several brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his wife, Maggie Salinas, his children
Rosie (Rick) Rodriguez, Russell Salinas (Loretta) and Carrie
Gonzalez (Robert) and grandchildren, Eric Rodriguez,
Edward Rodriguez, Hailey Gonzalez, Hannah Gonzalez, Robert J. Gonzalez, Jr. and Nicholas Rolling.
Public visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 16, 2016 at Guardian funeral home chapel "A" with a Holy Rosary and Celebration of Ike's life to begin at 7:00 p.m. that evening. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 17, 2016 at St. Pius X Catholic church, 5920 Gollihar Rd.**(ALL FAMILY AND FRIENDS ATTENDING THE FUNERAL MASS ***PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH***) Interment with Military honors will follow at the Coastal Bend State Veterans cemetery, 9974 IH 37 Acess Rd. To Leave condolences visit.www.Guardianfhcremation.com.
Pallbearers will be: Ricardo Rodriguez, Robert J. Gonzalez
Sr., Robert J. Gonzalez, Jr., Edward Rodriguez, Eric Rodriguez, Major Alfred Mesa, Robert Garcia and Ryan Robert Salinas
Honorary Pallbearers: Mike Moore, Nicholas Rolling and Chaz Tamez and Ray De Los Santos.