OBIT – Salomon Marroquin
MISSION – Salomon (Sol) S. Marroquin went to be with our Lord on Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018.
Mr. Marroquin was born in San Antonio on Jan. 23, 1931, and moved with his family to Mission in 1939. where he has lived since. He graduated from Mission High School in 1950 and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1950-54 during the Korean Conflict. He served an additional 18 years in the Air Force Reserves and was discharged as a Master Sergeant.
In Mission in 1966, Sol began his career in public service. He served on the Urban Renewal Program as a Public Relations Specialist and was soon promoted to City Secretary at for the City of Mission. In 1970, he was advanced to Mission Municipal Hospital as the first Hispanic hospital administrator in Mission and the Rio Grande Valley.
In 1973, Sol was offered the role of Chief of Staff to Congressman E. “Kika” de la Garza (D) – Mission for the 15th Congressional District. Sol proudly served alongside the Congressman until his retirement in 1993. Sol then accepted a position as office manager at the CEED Office at the University of Texas Pan American where he retired due to health issues in 1999.
Sol was a lifelong member of El Mesias United Methodist Church in Mission. He was a Sunday school teacher, sponsor to the Methodist Youth Fellowship, served in several church committees, was a choir member, directed several Christian dramas and was a certified lay speaker. Sol also volunteered at the Mission Historical Museum and the Texas Citrus Fiesta.
Sol has worn several hats during his life and wished to be remembered as a public servant because he said serving the public brought him the most joy.
He is survived by his wife, Blanca V. Marroquin; children, Carlos (Karen) Marroquin and Melinda (James) Fotinos; brother, Jerry Marroquin; and two granddaughters, one great-grandson and one great-granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Salomon T. and Andrea S. Marroquin; sister, Pura S. Marroquin; and brothers, David S. and Eduardo S. Marroquin.
A memorial service was held on Sept. 22 at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission.
