Joe "Amarante" Salazar

Joe "Amarante" Salazar, age 77, of Rogers, Arkansas, went home to be with the Lord in the early morning hours of November 28, 2025. He passed peacefully, surrounded by love and held gently in God's presence.
Born on April 5, 1948, in Monero, New Mexico, Joe was the beloved son of Joe B. Salazar and Elbiria Salazar. From the very beginning, he carried a quiet strength and gentle spirit that would shape the rest of his life. His love was silent but powerful - the kind that brought comfort with just a nod, a smile, or simply his presence.
Joe married the love of his life, Maryland Salazar, and together they built a beautiful life rooted in faith, loyalty, and devotion. Their love stood as a shining example of enduring commitment - a love that reflected God's heart and inspired everyone blessed to witness it.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Maryland, and their children: Jody Hingle (and spouse Elaine Hingle), Patriena Tilley (and spouse Rick Tilley), Stephanie Verge (and late husband Bryan Verge). Joe is also survived by four brothers and one sister, who loved him dearly and continue to honor his memory. He is lovingly remembered by his eight grandchildren Drew, Savannah, Tucker, Maranda, Emily, Abigail, Tabitha, and Trey and his ten great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immeasurable joy.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Joe B. and Elbiria Salazar, his sisters Clorinda Tafoya, Sally Cisneros, Eleanor Salazar, Lucy Valdez and his brother Mel Salazar. We find comfort in knowing they welcomed him home in Heaven with open arms.
A retired machinist, Joe dedicated his working years to providing for his family with integrity, skill, and quiet determination. In retirement, his greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren. He loved tinkering on cars, lawnmowers, weed eaters, anything mechanical always finding a way to bring life back into whatever he touched.
Joe had a deep love for music. He found joy in playing his guitar at church and singing with friends and family. He treasured his visits with family in Colorado, who held a very special place in his heart.
A long-time member of the House of God Church in Rogers, Arkansas, Joe was one of the most faithful men you could ever meet. He devoted his life to the Lord with humility, consistency, and an unwavering heart. His faith showed through his actions - through his kindness, his gentleness, and the love he poured into his family.
Though our hearts are heavy, we find peace in knowing Joe is now completely healed, whole, and rejoicing in the presence of his Savior. We trust in the promise of Heaven, where he is reunited with loved ones and living in perfect joy. As Scripture says, "Well done, good and faithful servant enter into the joy of your Lord." (Matthew 25:23)
Joe's legacy of love, faith, and steady strength will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He has left footprints on our hearts that will never fade.
We honor him.
We love him.
And we will carry his memory with us always.
Visitation will be 11:30 am to 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th Street, Rogers. Funeral services at 1:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Interment will follow in the Daniel Cemetery, near Gravette, Arkansas. Online condolences to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com