Alex R. Lopez

Mass of Christian burial will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 24, at St. Francis Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. A reception will be held following the burial at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Covered dishes are welcomed. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, February 23 with a rosary at 6:00 p.m., at the funeral home.

Alex was born April 27, 1929 to John and Regina Lopez in Waco, Texas. As a boy, he enjoyed playing trumpet in his school band and catching fly balls in the outfield of the baseball diamond.

In junior high school, he met his future wife, Carolina Ricoy. They fell in love and later married on May 24, 1952.

An excited young soldier in the United States Army, Alex completed his basic training and technical school at Fort Sam Houston, TX earning his MOS badge in Logistics. He proudly served his country at Eilson Air Base, AK, Fort Bliss, TX, Fort Buckner, Okinawa, and South Korea. He also, served a 1-year tour in Vietnam Conflict, where he was awarded the Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Other awards and achievements Alex received were Meritorious Unit Army Commendation, Accommodation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Service Defense Medal and Sharp Shooter Badge. In 1973, Alex received a Letter of Appreciation in his participation in the funeral of former-President Lyndon B. Johnson.

After 22 years of active service, Alex retired as Sergeant First Class in 1974. His commitment to service led him to a career as a nurse’s aide at the Veterans Administration for 20 years. He then, made the transition to campus favorite as a shuttle bus driver at McLennan Community College.

He loved and cherished his passengers as much as his passengers loved riding his bus.

Alex was a loving husband and devoted father. He adored his three grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He had a spry, animated charisma and beaming smile that easily attracted others. He enjoyed bowling, dancing, reading law and military fiction, playing the game of chance at

Choctaw Casino, and cheering to victory Baylor Bears athletics.

Alex is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carolina; two sons, Alex Jr. and Martin; and granddaughter, Joanna Claire Lugo; five sisters and one brother.

Alex is survived by five children, Steven Lopez of Colorado Springs, CO, Olga McLaughlin of North Richland Hills, TX, Lydia Lugo of Plano, TX, Andrew Lopez of Choctaw, OK, and Tina Lopez of San Antonio, TX; three grandchildren, Sheri Lopez of Waco, TX, Eric Lopez and Jenna McLaughlin of North Richland Hills, TX; and two great-grandchildren Michael Wayne Pickens and Mylee Pickens of Waco, TX; his brother, Joe Lopez, and sister, Santos Lopez, both of Waco, TX.

The family would like to thank the Medical staff of Christus Santa Rosa Hospital in San Antonio, TX

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Alex Lopez memory to the Alicia Trevino Lopez Senior Center, 8353 Culebra Rd Suite 102 San Antonio, TX 78251.

Arrangements under the direction of Connally-Compton Funeral Directors, Waco, TX.