John Salinas, 79, of Defiance, passed away at his home, surrounded by his loving family on Monday, May 1, 2017.

He was born on December 15, 1937 in his home in New Braunfels, Texas, and was the seventh born to Vincent and Tomasa (Cisneros) Salinas. In Texas, on March 6, 1961 he married the love of his life, Mary (Castillo) Salinas, who resides in Defiance. He enjoyed listening to his music, singing, watching western movies, and watching his grandchildren play baseball. John worked at Johns Manville for ten years. He was a devoted  and loving father to five boys and six girls. He was an active grandfather to 22 grandchildren, a giving great-grandfather to 41 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandfather to four.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, three sisters, and one daughter.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, and 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at Schaffer Funeral  Home, with Pastors Waldemar Cruz and Rosita Perez officiating. Burial will follow the service at  Riverside Cemetery.

Memorials donations may be made to his wife Mary Salinas, or his niece Elizabeth Garza. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.

You will be missed and will remain in our hearts forever.