Roger Brian Salome

Dr. Roger Brian Salome, D.D.S July 30, 1942 – December 27, 2025
Roger Brian Salome, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away December 27, 2025, while surrounded by family. He was 83.
Born in El Paso, Texas, to James and Elsie Salome, Roger attended Mesita Elementary and El Paso High School. He earned his undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University and later graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry, beginning a lifelong passion for dentistry that shaped his career and family's legacy.
Roger built a large, respected dental practice alongside Dr. Richard Lyon, caring for people in need throughout the Southwest and Mexico. His reputation reached far and wide as he treated countless patients-including notable figures such as professional golfers, bull riders, and several Miss Texas and Miss USA contestants.
Dentistry was more than a profession to Roger; it was his calling. He proudly passed that love to his son, Brian, who took over his practice.
Roger lived with energy and enthusiasm. He enjoyed basketball, skiing and tennis until a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in his mid-50s slowed him physically-but never in spirit. He loved to travel, cruise, and escape for fun weekends in Ruidoso or Las Vegas for joy and adventure.
Those who knew Roger will remember him most for his unwavering positivity, generous heart, quick wit, and playful humor. He delighted in wearing masks to surprise patients, pulling harmless pranks, telling numerous jokes, and quizzing his children and grandchildren in trivia challenges-often with a mischievous smile.
His gift was rare: He made everyone around him feel important and special.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, James and Elsie Salome, his brother Norman and his eldest child, Kathleen Salome Smith, whom he loved dearly. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 50 years, Susie, who cared for him tirelessly with endless love. He is also survived by his treasured brother, James Sr., his 5 children; Jennifer Varni (Keith), Kristine Stewart (Mike), Brian (Daniela), Patricia, and Blair Morilla (Daniel), 18 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to his internist, Dr. Ramsey Hazboun. The family will forever be grateful for Dr. Daniel Morilla, his son-in-law and physician, who provided Roger with the very best care, sacrificing personal time and consistently placing Roger's needs above his own-a true reflection of his love and character.
Roger's legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through his kindness, laughter, mentorship, and love. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in his memory to the National MS Society, an organization important to our family.
www.donate.nationalmssociety.org/campaigns/Salome To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roger, please visit our floral store.