This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Lopez, Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/4997/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Phil Jim Lopez - known as Uncle Sonny, to most, was baptized at the original St. Genevieve's Catholic Church, after his father Felipe and Saint James, under the name of Felipe Santiago Lopez, of Las Cruces, passed peacefully in his home, Saturday evening, November 27, 2010 at the age of 71. He was born in Las Cruces, on November 2, 1939 to Felipe and Flora Lopez. Sonny is survived by his mother Flora Lopez of Las Cruces; his brothers and sisters: Rudy of Paso Robles, CA, Larry and wife Enadina of Houston, TX, Deborah and husband Roger Ralph of Las Cruces, Paula Lopez and husband Michael Dillard of Houston, TX, Patrick and significant other Annabel Tiberi of Santa Fe, NM, and Eric and wife Tracy of Dallas, TX. As well as nieces and nephews: Scott Lopez and wife Terese, Kyle Lopez and wife Suzy, Brian Lopez and wife Carrie, Tony Lopez, Pearie and husband Ronnie Bruder, Melissa and husband Josh Krieger, Trey Schonter, Leah Dillard, Lauren Lopez, Landon Lopez, and great nieces a! nd nephews, Brittany and husband Brent Martinez, Dayne Lopez, Emma Lopez, Trystan Lopez, Katlyn Lopez, Amanda Lopez, Christian Lopez, Veronica Bruder, Michael Bruder and Max Bruder. Sonny is preceded in death by his father Felipe T. Lopez Jr. and nephew Christopher Lopez. He grew up in Las Cruces, graduating from Las Cruces High in 1958. He attended New Mexico College of Agriculture and Arts, now known as NMSU, for several years before moving to Gallup, NM where he worked many years, on the graveyard shift, for the New Mexico State Port Authority, as an Inspector, and then transferred to Anthony, NM working for the Anthony Port of Entry location, where he retired in 1993. He then moved back to Las Cruces to be near his mother Flora so that he could take care of her. Sonny enjoyed spending time with family, hunting, coin collecting, playing Chess, the lottery and pool, and was an accomplished bowler as evidenced by his numerous trophies. These activities gave him great enjoyment as he had Cerebral Palsy making motor skill functions difficult. Family was his first and most consuming love. He is and will always be remembered, by all, for his unwavering sense of good, wit, tenacity, kindness, wisdom and generosity. Child, Brother, Uncle, Friend you are, and will always be missed. Rosary for Sonny will be held Friday, December 3, 2010 at 7 PM in Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1327 North Miranda Street. A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, December 4 , 2010 at 10am in the Basilica de San Albino, 2070 Calle de Santiago in Mesilla. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in Phil's name to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Entrusted to Baca's Funeral Chapels and Baca's Sunset Crematory. 527-2222 Your exclusive providers for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on December 1, 2010 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.