Justo Lopez

Justo "Jay" Lopez, 62 of Fort Sumner, NM died Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at his home following an illness. He was born December 25, 1947 in Fort Sumner to the home of Maximillo and Gregorita (Griego) Lopez. Justo was raised and attended school in Fort Sumner, he graduated in 1966. He was a lifelong musician, and creative artist. He enjoyed teaching anyone who wanted to learn to play the guitar. Justo served in the US Army from January 20, 1967 until his honorable discharge on January 17, 1969. He was assigned to the 515th Engineering Company. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Sharpshooter Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Justo was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister Navora Lopez; four brothers infants Albarito and Juanito Lopez; Isaac Lopez in 2005, Richard Lopez on June 28, 2009; and two nephews Paul Gallegos and Maximiliano “Milo” Lopez III. Survivors include eight Sisters, Esther (Sonny) Segura of Roswell, NM; Trudy Preece of Las Cruces, NM; Rita (Greg) Gallegos of Fort Sumner, NM; Frances (Tommy) Potts of Tipton, OK; Maria Garcia of Fort Sumner, NM; Betty Jo Montalvo of Las Cruces, NM; Velen (Bill) Anthony of Albuquerque, NM; Yolanda (Mark) Knodle of Las Cruces, NM; two brothers Max Lopez Jr. of Beaumont, TX; and Bobby (Sharon) Lopez of Fort Sumner, NM. Also surviving is a sister-in-law Sally Lopez of Las Cruces, NM; two aunts Louisa Gonzales and Eloisa Lopez of Fort Sumner along with a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Rosary services will be held at 7:00 PM Friday, March 12, 2010 from St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner, NM led by Steve Gallegos and Sam Griego. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, March 13, 2010 at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Steve Sanchez officiating, burial with military honors will follow at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Joe Lopez, Bobby Preece, Johnny Gallegos, Brian Potts, Ernie Chavez and Chance Lopez. Honorary bearers will be Ruben Montalvo, Raymond Lopez, Timothy Lopez and all his cousins, nieces and nephews. The family prefers memorial contributions to the American Cancer Soecity or the Fort Sumner Cemetery Association in Justo’s memory. 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 visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com .