Willie Q Lopez's Obituary
Willie Q. Lopez was born in Dallas, Texas, to Willie Monroe Lopez and Elvira Lopez. He did not attend high school but worked for Dallas Airamotive at Forest Park for 45 years. His position there was painting airplane engine parts. He learned this particular skill on the job. Who knew there were specific government requirements when painting airplane engine parts? Well, there are requirements. He went on to enhance his painting skills with vehicles, which he excelled at. This skill allowed our mother to stay home and raise their children. He worked hard and always provided for his family. In his younger years, he played baseball — his favorite sport — at Reverchon Park in Dallas and at other local parks. He learned how to play from his father, who was an avid player (catcher) himself. He shared his love of baseball with his own son, grandsons, and other children as a coach in the BBI organization, alongside long-time friends Roy Hernandez and David Najera. He loved teaching these children how to pitch, catch, and throw a baseball. He married Theresa Ortiz from Chicago, Illinois, at the age of 17. Although he did not attend high school, he was an intelligent, wise, kind, hardworking, generous, and loving man. He never turned anyone away in need. He would give his last dollar if they needed it more than he did. He always provided; his family lacked nothing. He knew no stranger and was loved by many. He regularly attended his beloved church, Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos - Santa Teresita in Dallas.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Theresa. He leaves his sister Yolanda Guajardo, daughter Emily Silva, grandson David (wife Tiffany), great-granddaughters Zoe and Mila, granddaughter Melissa Castro (husband Daniel), great-grandson Nathaniel, great-granddaughter Haley, great-grandson Devean Castro, daughter Debra Swartz (husband John), great-grandson Nathaniel (fiancée Jasmin) granddaughter Sandra Faterkowski (husband Dustin), great-grandsons Liam and Hudson, grandson Steven, daughter Barbara McBride (husband Mark), grandsons Matthew and Andrew, son Willie (wife Dolores), granddaughter Sarah (partner Kelsie), grandson Willie (wife Cristal), great-grandson coming in January, grandson Paul (fiancé Bernadette), granddaughter Katherine (boyfriend Slade) and several nieces and nephews.
The family especially thanks the heroic caregiving efforts of daughter Emily, who served as Willie and Theresa's primary caregiver for several years. Emily has shown exemplary respect and care for both parents over the years. As found in Exodus 20:12, you have obeyed God’s commandment to honor your father and mother. In addition, several family members — daughters, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren — greatly helped during Willie's last days. He was proud and grateful for all of us helping him and each other.
In place of flowers, please donate to Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos - Santa Teresita, 2601 Singleton Blvd, Dallas, Texas 75212; https://olsanjuandallas.org.
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