August 28, 1949 ~ March 16, 2026 (age 76)
Alejandro “Hondo” Saldana, 76, passed away on March 16, 2026, at Merit Health River Region Hospital surrounded by his loved ones. Hondo was born August 28, 1949, in Hidalgo, TX and has lived in Madison Parish since 1951. He worked at Weston House, Grand Gulf, and retired from Yellow Freight after 25 years.
He is preceded in death by his parents Jose Alejandro Saldana and Florencia Lopez Saldana, sister Angelita Saldana Hernandez and brother in-law Larry Bridges.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and uncle. He was an avid hunter and loved the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing with his best friend Archie Halterman. He was a straightforward, strong-willed man who was not afraid to speak his mind. He did not always show his love with words, but in his actions, it was always obvious. He loved the time he spent with his loved ones and was quick to take the grand kids hunting and share his love of the outdoors. Outside was his happy place, even at home.
He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years Mary Louise Matthews Saldana, son Jose Alejandro “Alex” Saldana (Lynn), daughter Vera Marie Saldana. He and his wife had a big hand in raising their granddaughter Jordan Saldana Dames (Michael) and great granddaughter Allysa Lynn Saldana. Grandchildren Shelby Williams (Taylor), Shaun Allen Mercer II, Cole Saldana (Katye), Dustin Rivers (Kayla), and Amber Rivers. He was a great grandfather to 9 great grandkids that he adored. He is also survived by 3 brothers Joe E. Saldana, Juan Saldana (LaDonna), GiliBaldo Saldana (Darlene), 5 sisters Josephina Hodge (L.C.), Estefana Wicker (Michael), Jula Bridges, Louisa Whitehead (Earnest), Esperancia Grigsby, and brother-in-law Juan Hernandez. Also, brothers-in-law James Matthews (Brenda), Hank Matthews (Donna), Terry Bryant, Sister in-law Shelly Geddis and a large loving group of nieces, nephews and cousins that loved him dearly and an infinite circle of friends.
Funeral services for Hondo were held Saturday, March 21, 2026, at St. Edward Catholic Church in Tallulah with Father Ryan Humphries officiating. Visitation was held at 10:00 AM with the funeral service starting at 11:00 AM. Burial followed in Memorial Park Cemetery in Tallulah under the direction of Crothers Glenwood Funeral Home.
Pallbearers: Toby Matthews, Cole Saldana, Taylor Williams, Shaun Allen Mercer II, Gili Saldana, Oscar Hernandez, Marcus Wicker, Jonathan Whitehead
Honorary Pallbearers: David Saldana, Joseph Matthews, Dustin Rivers, Micheal Dames, Randy Matthews, Hank Matthews, James Matthews, Terry Bryant, Archie Halterman
