Joe Salinas

Joe Humberto Salinas, 81, of Fate, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on March 25, 2026.

Born on August 16, 1944, in Harlingen, Texas, to Guadalupe (De La Rosa) Salinas, Joe was the eldest of three children. Raised in Harlingen, Joe was a graduate of Harlingen High School. He dedicated 30 years of service to the United States Post Office, retiring in 2013. A man of unwavering faith, Joe was a devoted member of Christian World for 53 years.

Joe was an avid baseball player in his younger years, competing on both church and post office teams. It was on the diamond, as a formidable pitcher and third baseman, that he earned his legendary nickname, “Super Taco.”

Beyond the ballfield, Joe was a true prayer warrior. He spent every morning and evening immersed in his Bible and in conversation with the Lord. He lived his life with the singular goal of one day meeting Jesus face-to-face—a moment he has now joyfully realized.

Joe took immense pride in his home, meticulously mowing his grass and tending his yard until his final months. He found simple joy in life’s small moments: taking drives for a Coke and ice cream with Mom and Maggie, and especially road-tripping to Oklahoma.

As a Beloved Husband, Daddy, Wello, and Uncle one of his favorite pastimes was "aggravating" those he loved most—a testament to his playful spirit. Above all, he loved his wife and children with everything he had, and he made sure they never doubted it.

Joe was preceded in death by his Grandmother Elena Solis, his Mother Lupe De La Rosa, his Uncle Julio De La Rosa, Aunt Sue Milller, Aunt Angie De La Rosa, and Aunt Lollie Zepeda.

He is survived by his wife of 53 yrs. Gail Bryant-Salinas; his son, Jay Salinas and wife Lisa; his daughter, Jacey Salinas-Krell and husband Chris; his cherished grandchildren, Ryleigh, Preslie, and Kamri Krell; and his siblings, Melba Zepeda-Rodriguez and Orlando Zepeda.

The family kindly asks guests to wear red, white, or blue in honor of Dad's love for the Post Office.