John B. Lopez

With much sadness we announce the passing of John B. Lopez. He entered eternal life peacefully at home surrounded by his family on April 12, 2012. John was born in Lobatos, Colorado on April 26, 1933 to Juan and Eutilia Lopez. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dorothy Gallegos Lopez of the family home, his five children, daughter, Dorothy Ann Medina (Rudy) and their son, Albert Rudy; daughter, Amadita Patsy Valdez (Daniel Lee) and their children, Amanda Sicre (Hector) and their children, Colbert, Iziah and Amadita; their son, Daniel John and his children, Hailey and Kaitlyn; son, Johnny; son, Melvin and his daughter, Rachelle; son, Karl (Michelle) and their children, Karl John and Joseph Shane. He is also survived by his sister, Juanita Cisneros (Tomas) from Thornton, CO; brothers, Mike Lopez from Espanola, NM and Alonzo Lopez from Manassa, CO, and several nieces, nephews and god children. John was preceded in death by his parents Juan and Eutilia, a sister Sarah Robart; brothers Paul and Eugene Lopez. John served his country honorably during the Korean War with the United States Navy. After serving in the military, he attended college in Albuquerque, NM graduating with a Electronic Technician diploma. In 1958, John accepted a position from the founder of the Physical Science Laboratory at New Mexico State University, Dr. John Gardner, as a Chief Electronic Technician. John worked for NMSU at White Sands Missile Range in the rocket and guided missile section until he retired in 1981. When John and Dorothy arrived in Las Cruces they immediately made it their hometown. John was a devoted and patriotic American veteran. He was a Life Member of the Veteran's of Foreign War Ray McCorkle Post 3242 and had served as the Post Commander, as well as VFW District 3 Commander from 1983-84. John also served as Commander and was a Life Member of the DAV Chapter 38 and a Life Member of American Legion Post 10. He joined the New Mexico State Defense Force and was commissioned by Governor Bruce King to the rank of Major. In 1965, John was a Communication Officer for the Civil Defense Program in Dona Ana County. He was also a charter member of the NMSU Pioneer Group. He was an active member of the Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic Church. He also served as the President of the Butterfield Park Water Association. John enjoyed hunting, camping, the outdoors and collecting antique vehicles. He was a man ready to lend a hand and never knew a stranger. John was a tough, loving, stern, law abiding citizen. He was also known as the neighborhood TV and radio repairman. After a hard days work he enjoyed serenading his wife, children, and grand children by playing his guitar and the harmonica. At times, his cockatoo LC would join in. Visiting hours will be Thursday April 19, 2012 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Getz Funeral Home. The recitation of the Rosary will be lead by Deacon Louis Roman at 7:00 pm. The funeral mass will be celebrated by Bishop Ricardo Ramirez, CSB, at the Cathedral of Immaculate Heart of Mary on Friday April 20, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. John will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens with Military Honors. Pallbearers will be Rudy and Albert Medina, Daniel Valdez, Hector Sicre, Colbert Valdez and Karl John Lopez. Honorary Pallbearers will be Joseph Lopez, Iziah Sicre, Hailey Valdez, Kaitlyn Valdez and Amadita Sicre. The family would like to thank his nurse Ray and the staff of Home Kare of Dona Ana. They would also like to thank Mesilla Valley Hospice, his nurse Liz Tarin, his CNA, Melanie Benavidez, Fr. Don Adamski, OFMConv. for the care they provided to Mr. Lopez and the family. PDF Printable Version