Abelardo Lopez, Sr.

We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.   2 Corinthians 5:8

Born on October 6, 1933, Abelardo Lopez, Sr., 77, passed away, Tuesday, August 23, 2011, at San Jacinto Methodist Hospital. Abelardo Lopez, also known as Ace or Lalo, dedicated his life to helping others. He was a caring father of three, proud grandfather of eight and proudly crowned great grandfather of two.  Ace lived in Baytown his entire life.  He was proud of his hometown and was always eager to hear about the latest news in Baytown.

He enjoyed life and loved being with his family and friends. Ace was a loyal fan of the New York Yankees.  Ace enjoyed supporting his brother, Richard, and son, Junior, while they played fast pitch softball for the Baytown Hawks.  Ace shared a special love for quarter horse racing with his son, Matt.  The two spent many hours caring for and training their horses together.  He held licenses in the Texas and Louisiana State Racing Commissions.  Ace enjoyed supporting his grandchildren in all their sporting and academic interests.

Ace enjoyed sharing stories about his thirteen year experience as a Merchant Mariner.  He was able to travel to many places during this time.  Ace also worked for N. M. Christiansen & Sons for over thirty years as a supervisor.  He helped many young men find jobs in the refinery industry.  He was always eager to give a ride to his coworkers.  He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Celestino and Marianita Lopez and siblings: Antonia Loredo, Armando Lopez and Alfred Lopez, Sr.  He is survived by sons, Abelardo Lopez, Jr. and Matias Atilano Lopez and wife Linda and daughter, Celeste Garcia and husband Perry.  Ace also leaves behind his former wife, Hilda.  Brothers Arturo Lopez of Houston; Celestino Lopez and wife, Alice of Port Neches; Richard Lopez of Baytown; Joe Lopez and wife, Betty of Ozawkie, Kansas; Grandchildren:  Joey Lopez and wife Heather, Brittany Lopez, Andrew Lopez, Matias Lopez II, Michael Lopez, Nicholas Garcia, Jonathan Garcia & Danielle Garcia.  Great grandchildren; Elizabeth Lopez and Jayden Lopez, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. 

The family will receive friends from 5 – 8 p.m., with a Rosary at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 25, 2011, at Crespo & Jirrels, located at 6123 Garth Road. Funeral services will be held at ten o’clock on Friday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1907 Carolina St., Baytown, with Father Dwight Canizares officiating.  Pallbearers are Joey Lopez, Andrew Lopez, Matias Lopez II, Michael Lopez, Nicholas Garcia and Jonathan Garcia.  Honorary pallbearers are Godsons; Celestino Lopez III & Johnny Rios, Jr.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Crespo & Jirrels Funeral and Cremation Services, 6123 Garth, Baytown, TX 77521, 281.839.0700.  To view the obituary or post a tribute to the family, visit www.crespoandjirrels.com