Raul F. Salinas

Salinas, Raul photoWaving Flag4Raul Santana Flores Salinas, our beloved father and patriarch of the family, transitioned to eternal life on July 11, 2017, following a short illness.  Raul was born July 26, 1930, in Port Arthur, Texas.  His parents, Jesus Salinas and Josefa Salinas and various brothers and sisters predecease him.

Raul graduated from high school and before pursuing higher education, was drafted and joined the United States Army where he was a radioman. Upon returning from active duty in Korea, he met and married Joan Roberta Slamka and they lived in Lansing, Michigan, where they raised their three children, Raul, Josefa, and Timothy. Both parents stayed committed to the growth of their children. Later in life Raul had another son, Anthony.

Desiring a larger audience for his genuine wit and conversational abilities he earned a master’s degree in English Literature from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan.

While completing his degree Raul also worked at Melling Forge and expanded his service to others by becoming a union labor negotiator. Raul later moved to San Antonio, Texas, to be closer to his family who still reside in Mexico.

Raul had a passion for teaching and an unwavering commitment to literacy. He believed very strongly that early reading was the key to unlocking the door for lifelong learning and exploration.

After years of service to the greater San Antonio Community College District as an English Literature professor, Raul retired and spent the next decade writing novels, painting and visiting his children every year. Being a connoisseur of fine experiences and all things exquisite, it would prove the perfect place for such a refined Mexican gentleman to thrive and live out his dreams.

Anyone who knew Raul knew how much he absolutely loved to write novels about his experiences in the military and explore the world through his imagination in writing. The brotherhood he enjoyed in Korea stayed with him his entire life and he never stopped looking for the men from his battalion.

Equally important to Raul was his desire to make a difference in the lives of his children and grandchildren. Raul’s passion remained deeply rooted in education.  He felt the two greatest gifts he could give to a child were the ability to read and a desire to learn.

Those he leaves behind will cherish Raul’s life and memories. His family includes: one daughter, Josefa Salinas (Margie); three sons: Raul, Timothy and Anthony; seven grandchildren: Paress, Cristal, Andria, Melan, Timothy, Sophia and Emiliana; five great-grandchildren: Ryan, Sabella, Mya, Gavin and Maximus; his sisters, Rosario and Amparo; brothers, Chacho and Braulio; and also many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, colleagues, and friends.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2017, at St. Joseph Cemetery, 2520 W. Willow Rd., Lansing, Michigan 48917. The viewing will take place on Friday July 28th from 6-8 p.m. at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, 325 W. Washtenaw St., Lansing.

Immediately following the Saturday service, an afternoon reception will be held at the Los Tres Amigos restaurant, 5010 W. Saginaw Hwy., Lansing.

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22 Messages to “Raul F. Salinas

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Don Kill
July 19, 2017 at 9:51 pm

So sorry for your loss, Raul.

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Raul and Kim
July 20, 2017 at 8:31 am

Thank you, Don

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Jo Morley
July 19, 2017 at 10:01 pm

Sorry for the loss of you father Raul and Margie. My heart is with you all. May he rest in peace and out of pain..

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Raul and Kim
July 20, 2017 at 8:31 am

Thank you, Jo

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Kris wallace
July 20, 2017 at 10:51 am

Raul and family, so very sorry to hear of your loss. Kris wallace and kim willett

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Raul and Kim
July 20, 2017 at 8:31 pm

Thank you, Kris

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Ginny Slamka Prince
July 25, 2017 at 8:48 pm

Raul, Josefa, and Tim,

Sending you all much love and many hugs. Wish I could be there in person to offer my support. I will be with you all in spirit.

Love, Ginny

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Raul and Kim
July 31, 2017 at 10:28 am

Thank you, Ginny

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John and Melody Slamka
July 25, 2017 at 11:38 pm

Raul, Josefa and Tim,

We are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. May God bring peace and fill your hearts with love and your thoughts with great memories. Lots of love coming your way from AZ.

Love,
Johnny and Mel

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Josefa Salinas "Margie"
July 28, 2017 at 9:56 am

thank you so much..

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Raul and Kim
July 31, 2017 at 10:29 am

Thank you, Johnny and Mel

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Lois
July 26, 2017 at 8:33 am

Dear Raul and Kim, Just want you to know that even though we cannot be there for you we send our love. Hope to be able to get to Ohio the first part of September. Will try to see you then. Lois & Jay

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Raul and Kim
July 31, 2017 at 10:29 am

Thank you, Lois and Jay

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Lois
July 26, 2017 at 8:35 am

Our thoughts and prayers are with our dear friends, Raul and Kim.

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Ronnie and jayne sears
July 26, 2017 at 11:22 am

Raul and Kim, as well the entire family. We hold you in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Peace be upon you all. We love you dearly.

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Raul and Kim
July 31, 2017 at 10:30 am

Thank you, Ronnie and Jayne

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Lee Michaels
July 28, 2017 at 10:44 am

I had the great honor and pleasure of meeting Mr. Salinas several times he was always very kind, gentle and to say the least a very wise man. To the family may God bring you peace & strength continue to honor his legacy.

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The Salinas Family
July 31, 2017 at 10:31 am

Thank you, Lee

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Amy Williams
July 28, 2017 at 3:04 pm

Hugs and prayers to the Salinas family. I had the honor of meeting Mr. Salinas several times and he was the light of Josefa’s life. I wish I could ease your pain. Love and prayers to you all. Amy Williams

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The Salinas Family
July 31, 2017 at 10:31 am

Thank you, Amy

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Jamie Moore Eding
July 29, 2017 at 3:23 pm

Raul, Margie and Tim,
Beautiful service, your dad would be proud! The words that were spoken today brought me back to the memories of the man I knew. I remember really liking your dad and always thought of him as a gentle soul. My prayers are with you! ((((Hugs))))

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The Salinas Family
July 31, 2017 at 10:32 am

Thank you, Jamie

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