Ruben Lopez, Sr.

RUBEN LOPEZ, SR. JULY 09, 1929 - MARCH 20, 2016

Ruben Lopez, Sr., 86, passed away on March 20, 2016 in Laredo, Texas. He was born in Rio Grande City, Texas on July 09, 1929. He was raised on "El Rucio" Ranch in Starr County, Texas.

Mr. Lopez enlisted in the Army and served his country during the Korean Conflict. He completed basic training in Fort Collins, Colorado and was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska from 1951 to 1952. He was honorably discharged and returned to Rio Grande City, Texas.

On December 05, 1953 he married his sweetheart, Maria Hilda Sanchez. Ruben worked as a lineman for Medina Electric and Central Power & Light during the 50's and early 60's. During this time the young couple lived in Bruni, Texas and Hebbronville, Texas where they established lifelong friendships. They spent many nights playing cards and having fun with their friends from Hebbronville, even after they moved to Laredo. Ruben and his family have resided in Laredo since 1964.

He had love and affection for his 7 brothers and sisters and was especially close with his brother, Elmo Lopez, Sr.; they worked together at Elmo Lopez Music Store and Lopez Ranch operations for 50 years.

Ruben is preceded in death by his parents, Jose Maria and Maria Lopez; and by his in-laws, Alonzo and Maria de Jesus Sanchez. He is also preceded in death by his sisters, Ofelia (Roberto) de la Pena, Josefina (Walter) Price, and Maria (Jose) Martinez; brothers, Alonso Lopez and Jose Maria (Sylvia) Lopez, Jr.; and son-in-law, Mike Medina. Further preceding him are his brothers-in-law, Alonzo Sanchez, Alberto Sanchez and Aurelio (Maria Luisa) Sanchez.

He is survived by his wife, Maria Hilda Sanchez Lopez; children, Ruben (Roberta) Lopez, Jr., David J. (Laura) Lopez, Sr., Norma Lopez-Medina, Oscar (Adriana) Lopez, Mari (Rudy) Alvarado, Diana (Benny) Molina and Nelda Marie Lopez; grandchildren, Norma A. Martinez, Selina M. (Armando) Rodriguez, Melissa E. Lopez, Leonel Garcia, III, David J. Lopez, Jr., Ari Bermea, Triana L. Lopez, Oscar O. Lopez II, Rene R. Lopez, Randy Bermea, Katrina A. Lopez, Gilbert Bermea, Sabrina M. Lopez, Karina L. Lopez, Nicolas S. Lopez, Bernardo Molina, Isabella R. Lopez, Miguel A. Molina, Alejandro Molina, Daniel Alvarado, Adrienne Alvarado, and Monica Alvarado; and great-grandchildren, Tanni, Andrea and Armando Rodriguez. Also surviving Ruben are his brothers, Humberto (Anastasia) and Elmo (Consuelo) Lopez; sisters-in-law, Gloria Lopez, Delia Sanchez and Lydia (Ruben) Munoz; as well as by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The Lopez family acknowledges the compassionate care of: Dr. David Cruz, physicians and staff of the Laredo VA Clinic, and caregivers Esperanza Camarillo and Griselda Gonzalez.

Mass of Resurrection will be held on Wednesday morning, March 23, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at San Luis Rey Catholic Church. The family kindly requests that those in attendance please meet at church.

Pallbearers will be: Norma A. Martinez, Leonel Garcia, III, Oscar O. Lopez, II, Rene R. Lopez, Bernardo Molina, and Nicolas S. Lopez.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Elmo Lopez, Sr. and Humberto E. Lopez.

Mr. Lopez will lie in state in the evening, March 23, 2016 at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd., from 5 to 8 p.m.; where a Rosary will be held at 6:30 p.m.

Private Inurnment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

You may express your condolences to the family online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.