Carolyn Lucille Salmans

Carolyn Lucille Salmans, beloved wife of Wesley (Shorty) E. Salmans, died on June 21, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas. She suffered from Alzheimer’s over the past several years; the sad, long good-bye.

She was born on May 17, 1942 to James and Myrtle Brooks of El Paso, Texas. By the time she was 17 years old, she had moved 21 times. She attended North East Rural High School in San Antonio, Texas, which is today’s McArthur High School. There she was a member of the choir and the Lassie’s. Her parents were sponsors at St. David’s Church, where she participated in the youth group. After graduating early, in 1959, she attended San Antonio College, where she was on the swim team, before marrying John Gerber in 1962. They had three sons, Richard, John, and James. After divorcing in 1975, she became a single, working mom. In 1978, she and Shorty married and they became a blended family with her three sons and his son and three daughters. Thus began their 45 year - love filled adventure.

Carolyn worked at the Fort Sam Bank, Fort Sam Houston School District, and Laredo Furniture Company in San Antonio. She then went to work for the Civil Service at Kelly AFB (for over 20 years) and then moved to California to work at the Tracy Military Depot, followed by a move to Pennsylvania to work at the Defense Logistics Agency. Carolyn retired from the Civil Service in 2010, after more than thirty years of service. Her career focused on transportation of government equipment and military assets to  destinations around the world. After officially retiring, she and Shorty moved back to Texas to be closer to family, friends and her beloved Texas roots. She always proudly wore many items reflecting her love of Texas.

She loved to crochet, especially for her kids and grandkids. There was always a stack of finished blankets, ready to go to the infants at church, the NICU or the Wounded Warriors organization.  Carolyn also loved to cook for her family, friends and co-workers, becoming well known for her apple pies. She loved to bake for her family at Christmas, sending them many cookie filled tins, keeping them well stocked for the holidays.

She was a long-time member of Saint Thomas Episcopal church and active in the Daughters of the King. Additionally she and Shorty spent their time volunteering for the National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA), Wreathes Across America (WAA), Community for Veterans Families (CVF) as well as for the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Myrtle Brooks and a sister, Donna Lee Brooks of San Antonio, Texas.

Carolyn is survived by her loving husband Wesley (Shorty) E. Salmans; her three sons and their families, Richard Gerber, John Salmans, and James Salmans; stepchildren and their families - Merlene Salmans, Carl Salmans and Teresa Salmans-Smith. A memorial service will be held on July 29, 2023 at 10:00 am, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in San Antonio, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to the Alzheimer's Association - National Office in memory of  Carolyn Lucille Salmans.