Memorial Service for Tony Salisbury

MADISON- Tony Lafayette Salisbury died on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. He was born on July 25, 1944, in McAlester, Okla., the son of Arthur and Virginia Salisbury. He was united in marriage to Margaret Elaine (Hibbs) Salisbury on June 3, 1967.

Tony received his B.A. from Texas Christian University and Master of Divinity from Brite Divinity School. He was ordained into the Christian Ministry in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) on June 7, 1970, at the First Christian Church in Irving, Texas. Tony served congregations as Associate Pastor in Houston and as Senior Minister in Beeville, Denison, and Garland. He also served as Central Area Minister in the Southwest Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) with offices in Abilene, Texas. Tony cofounded several community services, including Helping Hands, Good Samaritan and Bread for the World. He had a particular love for church summer camp programs and led several camps for youth. Tony formed a non-profit internet community, Cross of St. Andrew Community. He retired after 40 years of ministry on Aug. 1, 2010. In retirement, he served as spiritual mentor and ministry facilitator.

Tony wrote several pieces of literature-Praying the Jesus Story, Salisbury Legacy, meditations used by several congregations, and a book in print “Gifting: Reflections.” He achieved Life rank in Boy Scouts of America, the Chevalier Degree in the Order of DeMolay, and was the President of Kiwanis in Denison, Texas. Tony also served his community by volunteering with the American Red Cross in transportation services and blood drives, shut-in ministry, and he commissioned the Stephens Ministers.

Tony is survived by his beloved of wife of 56 years, Margaret; sons, Eric Christopher (Emma Salisbury) Salisbury and Peter Jeremy (Erin Findley) Salisbury; grandchildren, Leif Harris Salisbury and Rory Salisbury Harris, and Christopher Findley-Carroll; and great-grandchildren, Pax Asher, Nova Faye, and Oryn Kai Findley-Carroll. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Arthur Salisbury.

A service will be held at GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5701 Raymond Road, Madison, at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023.