Louis Lopez

Remembering Louis Lopez, a life of love, laughter and lasting memories.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Louis Lopez on July 7, 2025. Having just celebrated his 90th birthday in June, he lived a life filled with love, laughter and cherished moments that will forever remain in our hearts.

Born on June 20, 1935 to Jesusa and Tomas Lopez of Waco, Texas, he came from humble beginnings. Growing up picking cotton in the fields of Texas, he was determined to make a successful life. At the tender age of 17, he enlisted in the Navy and served as a communication technician, a vital link ensuring seamless information flow by maintaining and repairing the ship’s radio systems. After his service in Korea, he was stationed in Alaska. He often talked fondly of his time in the Navy and expressed his great pride in having served his country. When he returned home, he met a young woman named Ophelia Villanueva and found himself head over heels in love.

He was able to attend Texas A&M University on a GI bill earning an engineering degree. All during his time at Texas A&M he wrote letters to his beloved Ophelia about the life they would build together. They married and together they raised their four children in Plano, Texas building their lives around their Catholic faith and dedication to family and friends. Louis was a pillar of strength to his family. He was a devoted father, always there to offer guidance, love and a hearty laugh. He loved riding motorcycles, building model airplanes and playing chess. He cherished family gatherings and loved to dance whenever the opportunity arose. Ophelia preceded Louis in death in 2007.

As Louis made his way in the world without his beloved Ophelia, he made room in his heart for a new relationship. He met and married Isabella Lopez and together they made a new life in Waco. The two were drawn together by their shared faith in God and dedication to family and to each other. Louis is survived by his loving wife Isabella, his sons Marcus and Michael Lopez and their spouses Veronica and Terrie, his daughters Monica Nicholas and Martina Strauss and their spouses Brian and Edward and his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Raymond, Richard, Robert, Carlos, Juanita, Teresa, Alicia and many nieces and nephews that will miss him dearly.

Rest in peace, dear father. Your memory will live on in our hearts forever.