Clemente Joe Lopez, Sr.

Clemente Joe Lopez, Sr., age 93, born July 10, 1930, in Los Ojitos, NM to Celestino Lopez and Margarita Lopez-Chavez, he was preceded in the death by his parents, and 8 brothers and 5 sisters. A lifelong resident of the Land of Enchantment, he joined the US Army at the age of 22 and served in the Korean War.

Clemente is survived by his loving wife, Lucy Sandoval-Lopez of 45 years from Penasco, NM, whom he loved dearly, he is also survived by his 5 sons and 2 daughters, Joseph Lopez, Ivan Lopez, Clemente Lopez (Junior), Tommy Lopez, Andrew Lopez; and his daughters, Renee Lopez, Leslie Hickman; and son-in-law, Tim Hickman, 6 granddaughters, 1 grandson, 5 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Clemente was a kind, giving, loving family man who always took care of everyone, he told great stories of the past, reminding us of how it used to be in the past and how fortunate we were to be living in this day and age. He filled everyone's life with laughter and happiness, he enjoyed dancing, family dinners and taking his wife and son Ivan to the Casino.

Clemente took great pride in being a Veteran of the Armed Forces and gave back to his fellow veterans with advice to "never quit to keep pushing forward." Clemente shared a very special close bond with his son Junior, they spoke everyday at least four times a day. They went to lunch and dinners together weekly and Junior was always there to help his father and mother with anything they needed. Junior once said, "My father is my best friend he always listens to me whether I was right or wrong and always gave me sound advice." He will be missed, never forgotten and always loved." "He is always my father, but forever my best friend." Thank you for all you gave us and for the lifetime of wonderful memories.