Crescencio Salazar

Crescencio Luis “Chencho” Salazar, 84, passed peacefully from this life on Tuesday, January 5, 2021.  He was born on May 5, 1936 to the late Alejandro Salazar, Sr. and Angelita Garcia Salazar.

After graduating from high school, he served in the U.S. Navy as a Radioman attaining the rank of First Class Petty Officer.  He served a tour of duty in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Crescencio retired from the U.S. Navy after 22 years of service.

He continued his education at Texas A&I University in Kingsville where he graduated in 1974 with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration degree. He then began his second career and, for the next 20 years, was a valued employee of the Texas State Department of Health. After his second retirement, Crescencio was able to enjoy his leisure time.  He especially enjoyed completing crossword puzzles and bird watching.

Crescencio was a true patriot; he loved the USA and proudly stood at attention for the Star Spangled Banner and the flag. His legacy of patriotism was passed down to his children and grandchildren who have served or are presently serving in the armed forces.

Left to treasure his memory is his loving wife of 62 years, Elida Anes Salazar; children, Esmeralda (Luis) Salazar Gonzalez, Mario Luis (Rosie) Salazar, and Adriana (Mike) Salazar Reyes; grandchildren, Gloria Anna Rivera-Garcia; Jaime I. Rivera, Luis A. Gonzalez, Jr., Christopher Luis Salazar, Christian Luis Salazar, Ethan Michael Reyes, Emma Izabella Reyes, Elynna Sophia Reyes; great-grandchildren, Lauren Elaine Rivera, Dalia Rose Garcia, Evan James Rivera; siblings, Heriberto Salazar, Maria Alicia Salazar Gonzales, Angelita Salazar Rodriguez, and Raul Salazar.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Angelita Garcia Salazar and Alejandro Salazar, Sr.; sister, Gloria Salazar Plata; brothers, Oscar Salazar and Alejandro Salazar, Jr.

Visitation will be on Sunday, January 10, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 7 o’clock on Sunday evening. (Click the link below to view the recitation of the Holy Rosary via live-stream.) A graveside service and interment with full military honors will take place on Monday, January 11, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Mont Meta Memorial Park.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are his grandsons and nephews, Jaime I. Rivera, Luis A. Gonzalez, Jr., Ethan M. Reyes, Christian Luis Salazar, Diego Delgadillo, and Ricardo Segura.  Honorary pallbearers are Armando Lucio, Gilberto Lerma, and Christopher Luis Salazar.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home, 1400 W. Business 77, San Benito, Texas 78586.  956.291.4350 www.sanbenitofuneralhome.com.

All guests must wear facial covering and practice social distancing while visiting the funeral home.