Beto Lopez Jr.

Jose Alberto "Beto" Lopez Jr., age 65 of Fort Sumner, NM passed away at his home Sunday, January 24, 2016. He was born October 27, 1950 in Fort Sumner to the home of Jose Alberto and Paulita (Garcia) Lopez. He grew up in Fort Sumner and attended Fort Sumner Schools. Beto enlisted in the U.S. Marines Corp on September 8, 1969 and served a tour in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on November 1, 1971 with the rank of Lance Corporal. Beto married Diane M. Gonzales on April 22, 1978 in Clovis, NM. They made their home in Fort Sumner where they raised their family. Beto worked as a Machine Operator for BNSF Railroad for 34 years. He retired in 2004. Beto was a member of the BNSF Brotherhood of Maintenance Way Union. He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans all of Clovis. He loved horses, caring for his dogs, and hanging out everyday with his friends at Cortese Feed and River Valley Services. He is preceded in death by his parents Alberto and Paulita Lopez, and a sister-in-law Beverly Lopez. Survivors include his wife Diane Lopez of the home in Fort Sumner, two sons Jayson Lopez (Robin) of Clovis, Joey Lopez of San Diego, CA, two sisters Joann Detrich (Ramon Lopez) of Fort Sumner, and Stella Garcia (Larry) of Abilene, TX, a brother Gilbert Lopez of Portales, two grandchildren Veronica Lopez and Jaydah Lopez of Clovis along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Visitation hours will be Tuesday and Wednesday from 1pm-5pm at the funeral home and Thursday from 9am - 10am at the church. A rosary will be recited at 6pm Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner, Mass will be celebrated from the church at 10am Thursday, January 28th with Father Sotero A. Sena officiating. Burial will follow at Fort Sumner Cemetery, pallbearers will include Jerry Hernandez, Tommy Gonzales, Jerry Sena, Ricky Mares, Aaron Cortese, Johnathan J. Garcia, Johnathan Garcia, and Jeremy Detrich. Honorary bearers will include Windell Smith, Dalen Smith, Stan Smith, Abel Lopez, Glenn Boyd, Bob Threlkeld, and all his friends and co-workers. All arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, NM. (575) 355-2311. To place an online tribute or sign the guestbook go to www.chavezfuneralhome.com