Phillip Lopez

Phillip Lopez peacefully passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at the age of 93, surrounded by his family. He was born to Trinidad and Eugenia Rubalcava Lopez on February 5, 1931 in Kansas City, Missouri. Youngest of three children, he grew up with his sister, Felicita Lopez Silva, who preceded him in death, and brother, Daniel Lopez, who survives him.

On September 3, 1955, Phillip was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Frances Garcia, who preceded him in death. Together they had 3 children, Theresa McEachron (married to Donald McEachron), Veronica Mertz (married to Jim Mertz), and Philip Michael Lopez. Phillip took care of and provided for his family through his work with the Kansas City Southern Railroad which entailed various jobs such as a laborer, a crane operator, and foreman. As a family, they would take road trips to visit Phillip's beloved sister and her family in Brownsville, Texas. Phillip enjoyed the crashing ocean waves of any beach, but his family has the fondest memories of being together on South Padre Island. He was a devoted Catholic and always let his family know he was praying for them.

In addition to his children, left to grieve are his grandchildren, Andrew McEachron, Brianne Peyton (married to Kaibni Peyton), Bradley Joshua Luber (married to Rachel Luber), Jessica Luber Crandall (married to Jared Crandall), and Brandon Joseph Luber (engaged to Bailey Peck). Phillip was such a gentle and kind Grandpa, or “Papo”, as they called him, and was frequently found cooking and caring for his grandchildren as often as he could. He loved to laugh and admired his great-grandchildren, Bradley Jackson Luber, Camila Frances Peyton, and Louis James Crandall. Anytime he was needed, he was always there for his family. He will always be remembered as a soft spoken, kind, caring, and giving person.

The later part of his life was spent staying up to date on current events with the news and also cheering on his hometown teams. He loved his Royals and never missed watching a game. A huge Chiefs fan, he was able to cheer them on to their latest victory and he thoroughly enjoyed watching them all season. In addition to sports, he was known for watching the Price is Right daily, as his grandchildren will tell you.

While he did not want his family to cry over his passing, he made it very clear that he was going to watc h after them and that they were extremely loved with his whole heart. He will be missed dearly and thought of daily.

A visitation for Phillip will be held on Monday, March 4, 2024 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Rosary at 7:30 pm at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Rd., Kansas City, MO 64145. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Ann Catholic Church, 7231 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, KS 66208. Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.