Cresencio Lopez

Cresencio Fidel Lopez, affectionately known as Chris, 97, of Grants, New Mexico, went home to the Lord on April 17, 2020. A memorial service is pending until further notice due to current circumstances.



He was born on February 22, 1923 in the small town of Moquino, N.M., the son of Cresencio and Predicanda Lopez. From a very young age, Chris, his two sisters, one brother, and his parents lived a life of cattle ranching in the foothills of Mount Taylor in the rugged and beautiful region north of San Mateo, N.M. On May 11, 1942, in a Los Lunas courthouse, he married Trinnie, the love of his life, the woman who would stand by his side through thick and thin for 79 years. Feeling compelled to serve his country, Chris joined the Army, which took him out to the Pacific theater of World War II; from 1942 to 1945 he served courageously in the infantry on the frontlines in Japan. He is a decorated combat veteran of WWII, having survived historical battles in Okinawa and Nagasaki; he was awarded the Medal of Honor in recognition of his bravery and selfless acts. After the war, and a few more years of ranching, he began his career with Kerr-McGee Mines as a selftaught electrician; he retired after 32 years as a well-respected electrical foreman.



He and his wife, Trinnie, raised their three daughters in Grants, N.M., a home that they had resided in for 64 years; a home that they have welcomed and nurtured five generations of Lopez. Chris was a man who knew no stranger and would lend a helping hand to anyone he encountered, a man of true integrity and honorable beyond all doubt. He was a faithful and tireless man who gave the world to his wife, he graced his family with a huge heart and infectious smile and shared his love with everyone. A man of few - but honest - mighty words; respected amongst the community, and a proud veteran of his country; he was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus and the Dept. of Disabled Veterans of America. A man of simple tastes; such as his penchant for Trinnie's cooking or a cup of the hottest black coffee you've ever tasted; he was a master carpenter and metal work smith, building cabinets in his small shop in his backyard to share with those he loved; an enthusiast of the outdoors and nature, his affection for hunting and fishing was shared even amongst the youngest of his grandchildren. He had the mind of an engineer and the heart of a true and good man; his strength is carried on through the legacy he has left for us to share.



Chris was a man whose impact will forever be felt by Trinnie and the family that loves him dearly and knows that they will see each other again. He was a selfless man whose passing has left a hole that only he can fill. His ability to love, sacrifice, provide, support and forgive will forever be lessons to all he knew. As those who knew him will reverberate, it was an honor in itself to simply know him; and our world is better for the pleasure we have had in existing in his presence. Chris is our hero and our heart.



Preceded in death by his two sisters, his brother, and his great greatgrandson, Chris was the most devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather, and is survived by his wife, Trinidad "Trinnie" Lopez; his sister, Ida Valdez; daughters, Pearline, Frieda, and Gloria; sons-in-law, Tony and Larry; eight grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and eight great great-grandchildren.