Richard Samuel Lopez

Richard S. Lopez, 54 a lifelong Fort Sumner resident died Sunday, June 28, 2009 at his home following an illness. He was born February 2, 1955 in Ft. Sumner to the home of Maximiliano and Gregorita (Griego) Lopez. Richard was reared and attended Fort Sumner schools. He graduated in1973. For several years Richard worked at the Fort Sumner Airbase with High Plains Aircraft, a company that painted and refurbished airplanes. He also worked for EXCEL in Friona, TX as a meat cutter. Beginning in 1987 he was employed as a caretaker for the Rosenberger family in the Fort Sumner Valley. Richard was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and spent many hours hanging out with his fishing buddies. He was also a great supporter of the Fort Sumner Fox and Vixen athletic program and attended every sporting event possible. Richard had a great sense of humor and loved telling stories, jokes and making people laugh. He also had a very generous nature and was always available to help anyone needing assistance. Richard was preceded in death by his parents; Max and ”Lilly” Lopez; three brothers Albarito and Juanito who died as infants and Isaac Lopez; an infant sister Navora Lopez; two nephews Paul Gallegos and Maximiliano “Milo” Lopez III. Survivors include eight sisters Esther Segura and husband Sonny of Roswell, NM; Trudy Preece of Las Cruces; Rita Gallegos and husband Greg of Fort Sumner; Frances Potts and husband Tommy of Tipton, OK; Maria Garcia of Fort Sumner; Betty Jo Montalvo of Las Cruces; Velen Anthony and husband Bill of Albuquerque; Yolanda Knodle and husband Mark of Las Cruces; three brothers Justo Lopez of Fort Sumner; Max Lopez Jr. of Beaumont, TX and Bobby Lopez and wife Sharon of Fort Sumner. Other survivors include a sister-in-law Sally Lopez of Las Cruces, NM; a daughter Monette Lopez and a grandson Demetris Salazar of Albuquerque; a step daughter Brandy Griffin of Ft. Sumner, a step-son Levi Griffin of Tyron,OK; six step-grandchildren including Anthony and Dakota Griffin of Fort Sumner,. He is also survived by his longtime partner Ruth “Sue” Griffin of Fort Sumner; two aunts Luisa Gonzales and Eloisa G. Lopez both of Fort Sumner along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many good friends. Visitation was held Monday and Tuesday from 1pm to 6pm at the funeral home. Rosary services were held at 7:00 pm Tuesday, June 30, 2009 from St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner. A funeral mass was celebrated from St. Anthony at 10:00 am Wednesday, July 1, 2009 with Father Sotero A. Sena officiating. Burial followed in the Lopez family plot, Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers were Chance Lopez, Scotty Segura, Louie Gallegos, Isaac Lopez, Bobby Lopez and Ernie Chavez. Honorary bearers were Rudy Casaus and all his nieces, nephews, fishing buddies, and friends. The family prefers memorial contributions in his memory to the Fort Sumner Cemetery Association, Box 180, Fort Sumner, NM 88119 or the American Cancer Society. 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 guest book, please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com.