Dario Lopez Sr.

Dario Lopez Sr., 89 of Fort Sumner passed away early Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at Plains Regional Medical Center in Clovis followng a sudden illness. He was born March 09, 1932 in Alamogordo Creek, De Baca County, New Mexico to the home of Aurelio and Rayitos (Baca) Lopez. He grew up in Alamogordo Creek and Fort Sumner. He married Ellen Maes on February 03, 1968 in Fort Sumner. Dario worked many years as a Block Operator for Worley Mills Grain Company in Clovis until the company closed. He later worked for Sand Hill Potatoes, and Menasco Construction until his retirement in 2002. Dario and Ellen made their home in Fort Sumner in 2002. Dario was a parishioner of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner. He enjoyed fishing, 4-wheeling, gardening, always growing calabacitas, and spending time with his grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, a son Dario Lopez Jr., a daughter Linda Gonzales, three sisters Emma Sena, Vera Orta, and Rosa Lucero and a brother Aurelio Blea. Survivors include his wife Ellen Lopez of the home in Fort Sumner, 11 children Abel Lopez of Fort Sumner, Aurelio Lopez (Josie) of Fort Sumner, Johnny Lopez of Albuquerque, Ramon Lopez (Joann) of Fort Sumner, Gerald Lopez of Fort Sumner, Perry Lopez (Maggie) of Phoenix, AZ, Larry Lopez (Traci) of Roswell, Irene Anaya (Andy) of Fort Sumner, Vicky Lopez of Fort Sumner, Pat Lopez (Glenda) of Gallup, NM and a grandson he raised Emilio Lopez of Fort Sumner. Also surviving is an aunt Erlinda Gonzales of Fort Sumner, two sisters Rosie Salazar (Tommy) of Fort Sumner and Cathy Vigil (Tito) of Fort Sumner, a special sister-in-law, his "Hita", Theresa Maes (Stash) of Fort Sumner along with many grand and great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A prayers service will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, July 3, 2021 at the Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico with Father Sotero A. Sena officiating. Cremation will follow the services. Honorary bearers will include Emilio Lopez, Aurelio Lopez Jr., Isaiah Garcia Harper, Michael Lopez, Gilbert Lopez, Perry Lopez Jr., and Rogelio Lopez. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311.