Alejandro Saldana

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, Texas, 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 with 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, his son Jose Alejandro “Alex” Saldana (Lynn), and his 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), and Esperancia Grigsby, and brother-in-law Juan Hernandez. Also, brothers-in-law James

Saturday, March 21st at St Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Tallulah. Visitation will be from 10 am to 11 am, with services starting at 11 am. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, also in Tallulah.