Francisco Lopez

Frank was born on January 29, 1930, in Ft. Worth, Texas, to Ponciano and Silveria Lopez, the youngest of their children. From an early age, Frank’s love for music became apparent as he learned to play the guitar, a passion that would shape his life and legacy. While growing up, he met the love of his life, Elizabeth Alvarez, and after graduating high school, Frank served his country honorably in the United States Army, achieving the rank of corporal before his discharge in 1952.

Frank and Elizabeth were married on September 12, 1953, and shared over fifty years of devotion, raising a loving family of eight children: four sons and four daughters. In 1978, the Lopez family moved from Ft. Worth to Oklahoma City, where Frank continued to cultivate his passion for music and family life.

Frank’s joy came from sharing his love of mariachi music with others, particularly his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. While in Texas, he taught his first four children to play music, and after relocating to Oklahoma, he began performing with his younger children. Together, they played conjunto, Tejano, and mariachi music, captivating audiences with their talent and heartfelt performances.

Even after retirement, Frank’s musical spirit remained strong. Whether performing solo, with friends, or alongside the "viejitos" at retirement centers, Frank brought joy wherever he played. His dedication to mariachi music earned him several accolades, including recognition from the Oklahoma Music Awards, the State of Oklahoma, and the Anita Martinez Mariachi Festival.

Frank was a deeply creative and humorous man who often declared himself “a genius!” He was an active member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and a cherished presence in his community. He never let becoming blind hold him back from living independently or embracing life to its fullest. His wisdom, advice, and unwavering positivity left an indelible mark on everyone he met.

Frank gave his children enduring advice, including:

• "Never say you can’t do something."

• "Do the right thing."

• "Help when you can."

• "Play what you know, and if you play it well and entertain the people, that’s what matters."

Frank is reunited in heaven with his beloved wife, Elizabeth Alvarez Lopez; his children Rebecca Lopez Wytch and Michael Lopez and his wife Michelle Lopez; and his siblings Jesus Lopez, Antonio Lopez, Trinidad Lopez, Josefa Lopez, Paula Lopez, Ruth Lopez, and Juanita Lopez.

Frank will continue to be cherished by his children Louis Lopez and his wife Lisa Lopez; Rachel Lopez; Dr. Regina Lopez; Philip Lopez and his wife Toni Lopez; Martin Lopez; and Rosemary Lopez McMurl and her husband Dale McMurl. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, 16 nieces, and four nephews.

Frank treasured family gatherings, music, and laughter, and he especially loved family parties where everyone came together to celebrate life and each other.

A visitation will be held Friday, December 20, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., followed by a rosary at 7:00 p.m., at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 8701 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. A funeral mass to honor and celebrate Frank’s life will take place on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 5024 N. Grove Avenue, Warr Acres, Oklahoma. Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Frank Lopez will be remembered for his unwavering love of family, his vibrant spirit, and the music that continues to inspire generations. His legacy lives on in the songs he shared, the wisdom he imparted, and the countless lives he touched.