Lawrence Salas

Lawrence (Tony) Anthony Salas, 74, died Thursday, May 4, 2017, at Monte Vista in El Paso, Texas, from heart disease and cancer. He leaves his wife of 44 years, Carolyn (Cothern) Salas; his three children, Richard Salas, Susan Thornton and Clifton Salas and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. He was the son of Antonio Avan Salas and Rosemary (Gamboa) Salas. He was 4th of five children: Katherine Rivera, Patricia Crandall, Geraldine Dodds and James Salas. Born in Lordsburg, NM, in 1942, he moved to Las Cruces at the age of 7 and in 1961 graduated from Las Cruses High School. That year Tony married Claduette (Smith) Primeaux and raised his two oldest children in Las Cruces, NM. On June 4, 1972, he married Carolyn Cothern and raised his youngest child in El Paso, Texas. He was an active member and head deacon at Vista Hills Baptist Church. In the latter years, Tony was a member of Vista Del Sol Baptist Church and Restoration Fellowship, both in El Paso, Texas. Tony had a long career in equipment sales where he held several positions at various companies. He taught safety and OSHA certification courses at the El Paso Community College. He held many leadership positions in the community and served as president at both the Parent Teachers Fellowship at Jesus Chapel School and the Monte Health Center Council. Mr. Salas had a passion for photography. He and his wife were avid travelers and had visited 41 states. He loved gardening and being outside. He volunteered his help always, with quick wit and enthusiasm. Tony had passion for drag racing and often worked on the infamous Orange Blossom Special race car. He was loved by all. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in honor of Tony Salas to the Rio Grande Cancer Foundation, 616 N Virginia Street, D, El Paso, TX 79902. A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 8, at 1:00 PM at Sunset Funeral Home, 480 N Resler Drive, El Paso, Texas.