Warren Michael Sallis
Warren Michael Sallis,79, of Moses Lake, Wash., entered into the presence of his Heavenly Father on Nov. 21, 2024. He was a son, brother, husband, father, papa and patriot. Born in Little Rock, Ark., on Aug. 18,1945.
Michael (Mike) was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Elizabeth Sallis, brother-in-law Frank Cramer and survived by sisters Diane Cramer and Regina Timm (Rockne) of Spokane. He was a devoted Uncle to many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mike is survived by his wife of 21 years, Coleen Sallis; his children, daughter Kristin Price and Mitch, son Sean Sallis and Cassandra-Josiah, Jonah, and Joy, and stepson Jason O’Keefe.
Coleen’s children: Johnny and Nancy Rommell-Charly, Nicole, and Stacy, Alice Sosa-Tre, Anthony, and Nik, Carolina Rommel, Steve and Yoriko Sosa-Hiro, Patricia Barakat and Saleem-Elias, and Lorraine Bernal-Nate, Briella, and Olivia.
Mike joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1966, promoted to Sergeant after being shot in Vietnam.
He received a Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Union Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four stars, and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star, along with Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1970.
He attended Eastern Washington University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in liberal arts in 1973. After serving his country for four years, he went on to become a Veterans Affairs Administration Employee Benefit Counselor from 1974-1979, at which time he transferred to adjudication and eventually became a Senior Examiner. He was also the first Ex-Pow Coordinator at a VA Regional office in the nation until retirement in 1982.
Upon retirement Mike became a veterans advocate in Washington State and a volunteer service officer for the local Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 686. Founder of the Grant County Veterans Service Center in 1995 in Moses Lake, Wash. This service center assisted veterans, dependents, and survivors in filing claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs, including services at the VA Medical Centers, and provided licensed counseling for veterans in Moses Lake and surrounding areas. Accomplishments were the Joe Hooper Memorial at McCosh Park, Veterans Service Center, and Homeless Veterans program. He continued to help veterans until his passing in whatever capacity he was able to.
He was well-known in the community for his love, hard work, strong personality, and great smile. He kept us all laughing and if there was a job to get done, just leave it up to the Vietnam Vet. Semper Fi
A celebration of life will be held Jan. 11, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Moses Lake at 724 W. 4th Ave. Moses Lake, WA 98837, at 2 p.m.
Mike Sallis served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and was a strong advocate for veterans after he got out of the military.