Albert Lopez

Jose Alberto Lopez, Sr., age 88, of Fort Sumner passed away March 29, 2012 at the Clovis Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Clovis, New Mexico. Albert was born April 7, 1923 in Los Ojitos, Puerto De Luna, New Mexico to the home of Gregorio and Valentina (Ronquillo) Lopez. Albert married Paulita G. Lopez on November 3, 1947. He served our country in the 380th Field Artillery Bn 102 Division of the US Army from 1944 to 1946. Albert worked with the Santa Fe Railroad as a machine operator and foreman until his retirement in 1983 after 34 years. Albert was a charter member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed gardening and spending time with his grandchildren. Albert is preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, and 4 sisters. He is survived by his wife Paulita G. Lopez of the family home in Fort Sumner; 2 daughters, Stella Garcia and husband Larry of Abilene, TX, Jo Ann Detrich and Ramon Lopez of Fort Sumner, NM; two sons, Gilbert and wife Beverly of Portales, NM, and Alberto and wife Diane of Fort Sumner, NM. Also surviving are 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren along with many relatives and friends. There will be a Rosary service for Albert at 7:00 PM Sunday, April 1, 2012 at the St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM Monday April 2, 2012 from the St. Anthony Catholic Church with Fr. Paul Nkumbi and Fr. Sotero A. Sena Officiating. Serving as Pallbearers will be Randy Detrich, Jayson Lopez, Jeremy Detrich, Nicholas Garcia, Allen Dunn, Johnathan Garcia, Regino Zamora and Pablo Zamora. Burial with Military Honors will follow at the Fort Sumner Cemetery, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street; Fort Sumner, NM (575) 355-2311.To place an online tribute or sign the guestbook, please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com