TITLE: In memory of Felipe Lopez of Edinburg.

SUMMARY: In memory of Felipe Lopez of Edinburg.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Memories of a life filled with joyful times and meaningful service remain to comfort the family and friends of Felipe Lopez of Edinburg, who passed away on February 4, 2011, at the age of 85; and WHEREAS, Born in San Benito on May 26, 1925, Felipe Lopez was a member of the United States Army throughout the 1940s and into the Korean War era; first stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, he was later transferred to Fort Lewis, Washington, where he was responsible for guarding German prisoners who had been captured during World War II; while stationed there, he met General Dwight D. Eisenhower; after Mr. Lopez's discharge, he moved to Indiana and worked there for a number of years, living with his brothers; and WHEREAS, While back in Texas to visit family, Mr. Lopez met and fell in love with Matilde Cortez; they were married in 1955 and settled permanently in Edinburg; their family grew to include five daughters, Gloria, Lydia, Elena, Anabelle, and Lynda Mae, and two sons, Felipe and Leroy; and WHEREAS, Mr. Lopez began working as a mechanic at Farmer's Garage in 1955, taking over ownership of the business three years later; he worked there until retiring in 2004; he was an active supporter of the Democratic Party and a member of Sacred Heart Church; and WHEREAS, Known for his outgoing and jovial personality, Felipe Lopez will forever be remembered with great affection by all those who were privileged to share in his love and friendship; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Felipe Lopez and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his wife, Matilde Cortez Lopez; to his daughters, Gloria Rodriguez and her husband, Ubaldo, Lydia Aguilera and her husband, Juan, Elena Brown and her husband, Chris, Anabelle Garza Covey, and Lynda Mae Lopez; to his sons, Felipe Lopez, Jr., and his wife, Gracie, and Leroy Lopez; to his siblings, Wille, Brigida, Don, Benito, and Mary Lopez, and Isabel Leisure; to his 15 grandchildren, George Rivas, Jr., and his wife, Annaliese, Elena Vivian and her husband, Jesus, Veronica and Johnny Guerra, Myra, Dyana, Angela, Lora, Monica, Andrea, Cynthia, and Jessica Lopez, Brandon and Erica Brown, and Steven Garza; to his great-granddaughter; and to his other relatives and friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Felipe Lopez. Pena Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1042 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on April 14, 2011. Chief Clerk of the House