Joe Lopez Sr., 79, a resident of Santa Clara, N.M. entered eternal rest Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces, N.M. He was born August 2, 1946 in Vanadium, NM to Jose and Guadalupe Medrano Lopez.
With deep love, the family of Joe Lopez announces his passing. Joe proudly served in the U.S. Army. Upon returning home from the military Joe was employed by the mine eventually retiring as a truck driver from Freeport McMoran.
Joe was a neat and meticulous man with his rolled-up sleeves and blue jeans he had the biggest heart and proved any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad and that is just what he did. Family was the center of his world making sure his daughter and grandchildren knew they were loved and never went without. He always made sure they had school clothes, school supplies and anything they needed he was there and loved them without hesitation and was a father figure to his grandsons.
He is survived by his companion of 55 years Ida H. Sandoval, daughter, Lori Martinez (Ted); three grandsons, Mathew Ortega (Kristen); Alec Ortega; T.J. Martinez; three great-grandchildren, Averix Rios, Aydan Rios and Annalisa Ortega; his brothers Fermin Lopez Sr. and Fernando Lopez, sisters; Braulia Baca (Hilario) and Celia "Sally" Lopez. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose & Guadalupe Medrano, his brothers; Ernie, Frank, and Margarito Lopez; his sisters, Rosie Lopez, Dora Armendariz, Alicia Ezparza; his sister in-laws, Nena Lopez, Margarita Lopez and brother in-law, Catarino Lopez.
Visitation will be Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 5-6pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the holy rosary being recited by Deacon Bill Holguin will commence at 6pm. The funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 11:30am at Santa Clara Church with Father Casmir officiating. Concluding service interment will take place at Fort Bayard National Cemetery where he will be laid to rest with honors. Pallbearers are Fermin Lopez Sr., Fermin Lopez Jr., Steven J. Lopez, Matthew Ortega, David Baca, Ernie Lopez, Andrew Amador, and Lori Martinez. Honorary Pallbearers are Gavin Baca, Gabriel Baca, Josh Amador, Michael Amador, Mitchell Hart, Paul Hart, Jonathan Hart, Teddy Martinez, T.J. Martinez and Alec Ortega.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
