Larry Running Turtle Salazar, 68, of Corpus Christi, Tx went home to be with Creator on March 16, 2025, at 225am surrounded by loved ones. Larry was born on August 18, 1956, in San Antonio, Tx.

He was a loving spouse, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, counselor, and teacher.  He touched the lives of many with his wisdom, stories, and open heart. He never met a stranger and was always willing to help those in need.

He is preceded in death by his mother (Celia Duran), father (Jose Duran), and sister (Joann Litchenburg).

He is survived by his wife of 48 years Patricia Salazar, Daughters Yvette Salazar (Michael), Yvonne Shirley (Justin), Siblings Ernest Salazar (Eileen), Judy Pruitt (Bill), Brenda Garza (Cesar), Joe Duran Jr. (April), Tammy Carrasco (Art), Connie Rubio (Raymond), and Catherine Salazar and Granddaughter Madalyn Salazar-Gomez whom he deeply adored and loved. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who all had a special place in his heart

Larry Running Turtle devoted over 20 years to increasing awareness of the second largest Native American burial site in Texas located in Corpus Christi.  He advocated for the repatriation of the bones that had been removed from the site, which led him to create a non-profit organization, The South Texas Alliance of Indigenous People.  He spear-headed the building of a Native American monument to be built at Hans and Pat Sutter Park on Ennis Joslin Rd

Larry spent over 50 years of his life as a martial artist. He trained with actor Steven Seagal and held 4 black belts in 4 different martial arts. He also embraced Buddhist teachings along with his Catholic beliefs. He shared his Native American traditions and culture with the community.  Including weekly drum circles and other ceremonies, but notably, he organized an annual march held each January to bless the grounds of the burial site.

Larry co-authored 2 books, has been in numerous documentaries, and was an artist and craftsman. Sales of his work went directly to help fund the Ishka monument.  He will be remembered for his spirituality, leadership, and wisdom for generations that follow.  In Larry's final words walk in beauty. Ishka (until we meet again, if not in this lifetime, then in the next)

If you would like more information about the non-profit organization, you can visit and donate in his name go to www.IshkaSacredSite.org

Services will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church 2509 Nogales/MacArthur. Viewing begins at 5:00 p.m. followed by a holy rosary at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on Friday March 21 at Holy Family Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery at 3:00 p.m.