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LOPEZ -- Juan Nepomuceno (Nep) Lopez, 93, went home to be with our Heavenly Father on August 12, 2004. He was preceded in death by his most beloved wife, Catalina (Katie) Lopez on December 3, 2001; and his oldest son, Jose Alberto Lopez on April 13, 2000. Nep was the oldest of twelve children of the late Patricio and Dulcinea Lopez. He was born May 24, 1911 in Socorro, NM. Nep was a member of the San Miguel Catholic Church in Socorro. Nep is survived by his children: Terry Lopez-Rivas and husband, Andy; Paul Lopez and wife, Chelo; Nellie Brown and husband, Perley; Cathy Peralta and husband, Vincent, and Nep Edward Lopez; his grandchildren: Rick Rivas, Peter Rivas, Kenneth Peralta, Audrey Dolan, Debra Lopez, Randy Peralta, Sean Chavez, Carlos Chavez, Ramon Lopez, Aaron Lopez, Esmaralda Hangas; and several great-grandchildren; five sisters; one brother; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. Even his final days he remembered his brothers and sisters. Aunt Pauline, Aunt Rosie and Cousin Louella took the time to visit him and that made him happy. We will always remember your thoughtfulness. Dad had good days and bad days, but not once did he complain about anything. Dear Jesus, we know You carried him in Your arms every step of the way. We pray that God will heal our hearts of the anger, the pain and sorrow that we feel in the loss of our beloved daddy. Nep was a proud man who loved life, and who lived and enjoyed it to the fullest. When he was a young man of 17 he worked as a cowhand on the family ranch where he tended the cattle and broke and trained horses. He was a boxer when he was at the "C C Camp" and fought many bouts at the Old Socorro Armory, all of which he won. Later in life he planted the most beautiful and bountiful gardens of Chili, corn, and a variety of other vegetables. He loved politics, and he was a wizard at playing poker. There wasn't anything he couldn't do if he put his mind to it, as demonstrated by many unusual talents he enjoyed which included operating heavy equipment (bulldozers for the Bureau of Reclamation in Socorro) and also as a firefighter for Kirtland Air Base in Albuquerque. He enjoyed a career in law enforcement where he served his community as a municipal judge, policeman, and worked with the city and state police as a radio dispatcher in Socorro County. Nep was also a skilled mason. Nep loved music and wrote several beautiful songs and poems. He wrote several short stories about early New Mexico history. He enjoyed telling his children stories about the wild west when he rode his horse Freckles and the many historical events he witnessed as a young cowboy. We will miss you Cowboy, and we will remember that your love for us was always unconditional and look forward to the day when we are united in God's Kingdom. Nep's children wish to thank the Heights Manor Care staff who cared for him. Special thanks to his buddy Carl who made dad's life as comfortable as he could. May God Bless you all for your compassion and hard work. Thank you Saint Jude for favors granted. The family asks that any donations be made to San Miguel Catholic Church in Socorro. Rosary will be recited on Monday, August 16, 2004 at 7:00 PM at the San Miguel Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 17, at 12:00 noon at San Miguel with Father John C. Daniel as Celebrant. Interment will be in the San Miguel Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Steadman-Hall Funeral Home, 309 Garfield, Socorro, NM.
        Published on: Sun August 15, 2004