Ralph Castillo Salinas

Ralph Salinas, a lifelong Waco masonry contractor, went peacefully to be with the Lord Wednesday, August 24, 2022, surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, and family. The rosary will be recited Friday, September 2, at 7:00 p.m., with visitation from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 8:00 a.m. Saturday, September 3, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, followed by a graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery. Ralph was a generous man who knew no strangers and was a friend to all. He grew up fast and started working young, leaving school at sixth grade to help earn a living for his family. His career as a brick mason was learned from the bottom up at an early age. Learning the trade of a mason, he later established himself as a successful masonry contractor throughout Texas. Ralph taught the trade to his brothers and sons, and to several other young men from Waco and surrounding areas. He helped many of them establish their own businesses often lending equipment and financial support. Ralph was born in Guthrie, Texas, to Ascension and Gregorio Salinas, and he grew up in Oglesby, Texas. At a younger-than-legal age, he signed up to serve in the United States Army and toured in Germany. After returning from the Army, Ralph married Adelita (Adelia) Lopez on August 21, 1962. Ralph and Adelia celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Sunday, August 21, 2022, with their immediate family just a few days before his passing. Ralph was a member of the TSTI advisory work committee in the 1980s and held a U.S. patent for a scaffold that he invented. Ralph was elected Business Person of the Year in 1983 by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce with over 100 employees on his payroll at the time. Ralph operated the Ralph Salinas Masonry Construction Company for over 60 years. He completed his last house in 2020. Ralph and Adelia owned and invested in many properties and projects in the downtown Waco market. Ralph enjoyed watching football, western movies, and fishing with his sons, daughter, and grandchildren. Ralph had a constant companion, Creampuff, his "grand-dog." He was a lifetime member of Saint Francis on the Brazos Catholic Church. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Adelita (Adelia); his sons and their spouses, Robert and Dianne, Joseph and Dora, and Roger Salinas; and daughter, Lisa Salinas. He is also survived by his grandsons, Ryan Hill and Robert Jr.; granddaughters, Ecclesia, Epiphany, Jamie, and Faith Velasco, and Josephene, Grace, and Olivia Salinas; special sister-in-law, Connie Lopez; and siblings, Mary Montoya, Francis Beltran, Connie Beltran, Janie Lozano, Lilly Ursua, Cookie Galindo, Louis Salinas, George Salinas, Adolph Salinas, and Danny Salinas. Ralph was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He will be missed dearly by his family and many friends. Pallbearers will be Faith Velasco, Josephene Salinas, Ryan Hill, Edward Montoya, Madero Beltran, Cisco Salinas, Juan de la Rosa, Michael Evans, Arthur Contreras, and Michael Ficker. Honorary pallbearers will be Moses Villereal, David Holecek, Jack Garrett, Terrance Adams, and Will Kitt.