Ramiro Maldonado Salazar, age 72, of Del Rio, Texas, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026. Ramiro was born on December 5, 1953, in Del Rio, Texas, to Jesus and Petra Salazar. He grew up in the San Felipe area of Del Rio and attended San Felipe High School, where he spent his early years surrounded by family, friends, and the close-knit community.

In his early years, Ramiro worked for several manufacturing companies before discovering his true calling in commercial and residential painting. As a self-employed painter for more than 30 years, he became known as a true craftsman who took great pride in every job he completed. Through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to quality, he built a strong reputation and earned the trust of many loyal clients.

Outside of work, Ramiro was an outdoorsman at heart. He found great joy in fishing, hunting, and hiking, and simply being outside brought him peace and happiness. He also had a knack for finding treasures where others might not look—spending time browsing thrift stores and flea markets, always with his head down scanning for a good bargain or hidden gem. Many of those little finds became stories of their own.

Ramiro loved to laugh and loved making others laugh even more. He was known for his sharp sense of humor, his storytelling, and his ability to turn everyday moments into something funny. He never took himself—or life—too seriously, and those who knew him understood that even when he said something a little inappropriate, it always came with a wink, a laugh, and a good heart behind it. Though often a man of few words, when Ramiro spoke it was either with wisdom or a perfectly timed quip.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesus and Petra Salazar, and his siblings Johnny Tellez, Jesus Salazar Jr., Herbenia "Benny" Esparza, Mario Salazar, Hector "Tito" Salazar, and Lance Corporal Rene Salazar.

Ramiro is survived by his daughters, Renea Culver and her husband Jacque Culver, and Randi Salazar; his grandchildren, Chloe Culver and Star Salazar; and his siblings Berta Berton and her husband Eddie Berton, Robert Salazar and his wife Cecelia Salazar, and Ruben Salazar and his wife Ana Salazar. He also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, and loved ones who will miss him dearly.

Ramiro was cremated, and a private and intimate gathering will be held by the family to celebrate his life.

Those who knew Ramiro carry with them countless memories, stories, and laughter. When you see any of his family members, feel free to share your favorite memory of him—because it is through those stories that his spirit will continue to live on. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.