Gilbert Lopez Sr. with his family at his side passed away peacefully on April 21, 2017 from a prolonged illness.
Gilbert was preceded in death by his son Gilbert Lopez Jr., his parents Eutimio and Veneranda Lopez and Brothers Leo Lopez and Billy Lopez and Sister Erlinda Romero.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years Arcilia Lopez; his daughters Evelyn Baker, his son Kenneth Lopez and wife Sudathip, his daughter Janet Lopez, his daughter Carla Cook and husband Greg, and son Eddie Lopez and wife Michelle. Also, his grandchildren, Gilbert III, Carlos, David, Phillip, Timio, Jordan, Jamie, Amanda, Andrew, Senovia, Sophia, Daniel, Jazlyn, as well as numerous great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his siblings Joe Lopez, Tim Lopez, Ida Romero, Sally Gonzalez, and Johnny Lopez.
Gilbert was born in Tenaja, NM on December 30, 1933 and attended Raton Public Schools, graduating from Raton High School in 1953 and immediately served honorably in the U.S Navy until 1955. He then returned to the Raton area working at the TO Ranch until 1969 and then Kaiser Coal Mine until his retirement in 1996.
While working for Kaiser, Gilbert was a member of the United Mine Workers of America Local 7949. Gilbert was also a member of and attended First Baptist Church for 35 years. Gilbert dedicated his life to Jesus Christ in 1974 and from that point on followed in his footsteps. Gilbert was never ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and raised his children in the same manner.
“And if it seems evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve, but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
Funeral services for Gilbert Lopez Sr. will be on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 10:30 am at the First Baptist Church, in Raton, New Mexico, with Pastor Mark Crotinger, Officiating. Rite of Comital and internment will follow at Fairmont Cemetery.
Arrangements for Gilbert Lopez Sr. are under the direction on the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.
