Bicente Salas Jr., 84, of Nolanville, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2026.

Bicente was born on September 17, 1942, in Kenedy, Texas. It was there in Kenedy that he met the absolute love of his life, Luisa Salas, whom he married on August 23, 1963. Together, they shared 63 beautiful years of marriage, raising four boys and two girls in a home centered entirely around family, tireless dedication, and unconditional love.

Bicente was a man of extraordinary talent, strength, and an unmatched work ethic. As a young man in Kenedy, he started out working hard in the fields farming, ranging to West, Texas. He later moved his family to Central Texas, where he did factory work for a short period before truly finding his calling and becoming a master welder. Because of his brilliant mind and steady hands, a plethora of career opportunities opened up to him. He was a dedicated and valued employee for companies like Bandas Industries and RAM Industries, ultimately continuing to work until the proud age of 80. To his family and coworkers, Bicente was affectionately known by his nickname, "Patches" — a testament to the fact that he was a mechanical genius who could fix absolutely anything put in front of him. If anyone else thought it was broken beyond repair, "Patches" could always find a way to patch it up and make it work perfectly. He was a very loving father who loved working with his hands, a passion he passed down directly to his children. Some of his family's most sacred memories are the countless hours his sons spent working side-by-side with him, learning from his wisdom, sharing a love for hard work, and watching a true master at work.

In his well-deserved free time, Bicente enjoyed fishing and spent many hours relaxing in his recliner watching Westerns, especially Gunsmoke.
Above all else, he loved his family fiercely and treasured the wondertul lite he and Luisa built together. He always made sure to take his family on memorable vacations to Six Flags, bringing joy and laughter to his children's lives. His children looked up to him with immense pride, believing there was no obstacle their father couldn't overcome. Bicente was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Ruben Salas, Julian Salas, and Justo Salas; his sisters, Gloria Gonzalez and Chuca Quirre; and his daughter, Ester Ramirez.

Those left to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy include his beloved wife of 63 years, Luisa Salas; his brother, Juan Salas; and his sister, Licha Gonzalez. He is also survived by his children, Vicente Salas, Harry Salas, William Salas, Mary Ann Galvan, Samuel Salas, and Isaac Salas; 19 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt, special thank you to Patty, Natasha, and all of the Gentle Transitions Hospice staff for the profound care and compassion shown to Bicente and his family during his final days.

A visitation will be held Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Temple. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., also at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Temple.