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Multitude gathers to pay final respect to "Shorty" Zaragoza

Posted at 9:40 PM, Aug 08, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-08 22:51:15-04

Former Kleberg County Commissioner Zaragoza "Shorty" Salinas was remembered fondly at his funeral Saturday by a procession of Kingsville Police Department officers, constables, sheriffs and other dignitaries.

Salinas died July 28 of complications due to COVID-19.

“You know again it’s such a sad day in Kleberg County,” Kleberg County Judge Rudy Madrid said.

Salinas was a man who loved his community and was devoted to serving the youth, elderly, and those who were in need, Madrid said.

“He’s an outstanding individual, outstanding commissioner and he was just loved by absolutely by everyone,” Madrid said.

“He would always tell me, hey whatever you need I’m here for you," Kleberg County Sheriff Richard Kirkpatrick said. "It was always nice to have that cohesiveness that we all work together."

However, Salinas’ legacy will continue.

His son, Marcus Salinas, was sworn in as Kleberg County Commissioner for Precinct 4 last week and will assume his father's seat.

“I can tell you he is an outstanding gentleman just like his father," Madrid said. "His father has instilled all the qualities that he has into his entire family. They are such a loving and dear family our hearts go out to them, they’ll always be apart of our family."

A HALO-flight tribute was conducted in honor of the former commissioner at his final resting place.

"When you saw the helicopter fly around the cemetery, I almost lost it myself because the helicopter was escorting an angel to heaven," Kleberg County Commissioner Precinct 2 Chuck Schultz said. "He's an angel watching over us."