Johnny R. Lopez

Johnny R. Lopez of Waco passed away on January 10, 2024. A viewing will be on Friday, January 19^th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Waco Memorial Funeral Home. There will not be a church service but a memorial service will take place at a later date.

Johnny was born on February 25, 1944 to Louise and David Lopez Sr.. As a young boy he was involved with the Golden Gloves and was a very good boxer. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Air Force. His position was a Military Policeman and was stationed in Austin, Tx. and in Labrador. During this time, he guarded President Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson’s airplane.  He was a few points from being a sharp shooter. He was honorably discharged on May 20, 1967. At the time of his discharge from the Air Force, the commander talked to him about staying another year, but Johnny said no. He regretted this and wished he had stayed.

He later married Mary Lou Moran and stayed married for 24 years and the couple had one daughter. He retired from Lehigh Cement Plant in 1988. Later he went on to work for Dave Carter & Associates as a CDL driver for almost 20 years, leaving in 2019. Johnny loved fishing and hunting. He also loved watching boxing and football. His favorite team was the Dallas Cowboys. He loved seeing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents Louise and David Lopez Sr., brothers Ray Lopez and David Lopez, sister Lupe Martinez, grandmothers Maxima Lopez and Candelia Cejas, mother-in-law Janie Moran, brothers-in-law David and Manuel Moran.

He is survived by his only daughter Sonya and husband Derrick Phillips, grandchildren Deonte’, Ashton and Adrianna Phillips, great-grandchildren Maliya Phillips and Riley Coleman, brothers Bennie and wife Yolanda Lopez, Rayes and wife Connie Lopez, Jesse and wife Josie Lopez, Jimmy and wife Jo Ann Lopez, sisters Mary Ann and husband Sam Serrato, Vicki and husband Peter DeLeon, several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Thank you to Mary Lou for taking care of Johnny during this difficult time.

Johnny was a caring, loyal, strong and selfless man. He was an incredible son, brother, father, grandpa, and friend. He will be dearly missed as he was loved by many.