Beloved Willie Robert Salas was born on July 1, 1948 to the late Antonio and Silveria Salas. He passed on to glory on April 5, 2016. May his precious soul rest in the comforting arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is preceded in death by his oldest brother, Lorenzo "Pepe" Salaz; his friend, David "Boy" Martinez; and his cousin, Mary Lou Lucero. He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife, Juanita Salas; his beautiful daughter, Patricia (Salas) Rodriguez, and Kerry Rodriguez; his precious granddaughter, Cypress Rodriguez; his adoring grandsons, DeAngelo Rodriguez and wife, Jasmine Gallegos, Isaiah Rodriguez, DeLeon Rodriguez, Santino Rodriguez, and Marciano Rodriguez, all of whom he loved of all his heart. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Anton, Starla, and Mikael, all of whom his endearment was endless! He is also survived by his sisters, Theresa Gabaldon, Carmen Garduno, and Judy Salas and by his brothers, Paul Salas and Mike Salas. He is also survived by his sisters and brother-in-law, Angie Salaz and sons, Nash Solano and Jose Cruz Solano and wife, Irene; Mary Lucero and husband, Paul; Manuel Solano and wife, Berlin; Rubel Solano and wife, Mary Ellen, and their families, and Evelyn Rodriguez and family. He is also survived by his god children, Suzanna Solano Vigil, Thomas Garduño, Christella Vallejo, Andrea Romero-Muñoz, Valerie Padilla, Tammy Gabaldon, Jonathan Solano, Cecilia Gabaldon, and Michael Helm. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and many, many friends. He will always be remembered as a Marine Corps veteran and supporter of veterans, a hardworking cowboy who loved the ranch and his horses, an outdoorsman and avid hunter who loved the mountains, he was an educator who taught for 32 years and a proponent of education and retired from Luna Community College, an activist and political figure and former San Miguel County commissioner, a passionate speaker, a history buff and antique collector, and an advocate for the down trodden and fatherless. He was always larger than life, a spirited and vivid personality who touched the hearts, minds, and souls of those he encountered! He will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather (Pampo), brother, uncle, godfather, and a generous and loyal friend to the multitude! To Willie, family and friends meant everything! He be forever adored and will be greatly missed. A Holy Rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. on Sunday at Our Lady of Sorrows Church. The Holy Mass will be held at 9 a.m. on Monday also at Our Lady of Sorrows Church. A reception will follow the mass at Charlie's Spic and Span west venue.Pallbearers are as follows: Jason Glassey, CJ Juarros, DeAngelo Rodriguez, Isaiah Rodriguez, Nash Solano, Thomas Garduño, David Salazar, and Sam Vallejo. Honorary Pallbearers include: DeLeon Rodriguez, Santino Rodriguez, Marciano Rodriguez, Antonio Lopez, Steven Garduño, Nikolas Salazar, Larry Garduño, Jonathan Solano and Phillip Salazar.Services are under the direction of Nelson Funeral Home.Flowers and gifts can be sent to Nelsons Funeral Home at 801 Douglas Ave.; Las Vegas, 425-6551.