Tony Lopez

Tony S. Lopez, 84, passed away after a short illness on Saturday, February 11, 2012, in Durango, Colo.

Tony was born August 26, 1927, in Arboles, Colo., to Margarito Lopez and Theodorita Espinoza Lopez.

He was born and raised on the family ranch in Arboles until he was called upon to serve his country. Tony served in the U.S. Army in World War II and the Korean War.

Upon completion of his military service, Tony received training to be an airplane mechanic in Los Angeles, Calif. He then moved to Denver and worked with United Airlines until he retired after 34 years of service.

Tony was a member of the American Legion. He was an avid fisherman and loved to travel and spend time with his brothers and sisters and their families.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents Theodorita and Margarito, an infant brother Santiago, his brother Richard Lopez, and sisters Angelina Barela and Florence Vallejos.

Tony is survived by brothers Daniel Lopez of Baltimore, Md.; Eli (Lee) Lopez of Las Vegas, Nev.; sister Elesida (Ida) Enriquez of Durango; and brothers Manuel (Rudy) Lopez of Anchorage, Alaska; and Pedro (Pete) Lopez of Arboles, Colo.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Thursday, February 16, 2012, at Hood Mortuary Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, February 17, 2012, at St. Peter - St. Rosa Catholic Church in Arboles, Colo. Burial will occur afterward at Rosa Cemetery in Arboles.