Gilbert E. Lopez

GILBERT E. LOPEZ passed away peacefully with his wife and daughter at his side on Tuesday, April 05, 2016 at the age of 88. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who loved to bake for his family. Mr. Lopez was very devoted to God, Family and Country. He was a 1944 graduate of El Paso High School and received his BBA from Texas Western College in 1951 where he also received his Army commission as a Lieutenant upon graduation. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the Navy and veteran of the Army serving in the Korean Conflict. He received many achievements and awards. While serving as a 2ND LT. in the Artillery with the United States Army and member of Battery C, 57th Field Artillery Battalion he distinguished himself by his meritorious achievements during the period 23 March 1953 to 24 March 1953. During this period of combat action he performed his duties as a Forward Observer in an outstanding manner when the enemy attacked, and under intensive barrage of live fire on the assaulting enemy force, in many instances during the ensuing battle he fought as an infantryman in defense of the strategic positions. The coolness under fire and sincere devotion to duty displayed as constant incentives to all who witnessed his actions therefore awarding the Bronze Star Medal and his meritorious achievements reflect great credit on himself and the military service and his continuous valor and love for his comrades and country. He also served in Battery C, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, Apo 7, and was wounded in action 23 March 1953 in the Old Baldy Area vicinity Chorwon, North Korea and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal with first Oak Leaf Cluster and was discharged honorably as a Captain. Mr. Lopez also served his community by starting the Naval Reserves in El Paso, Texas and served in the National Guard, Officer Reserves and Jaycees in both El Paso and Juarez. He is predeceased by his parents Josefina and Rosalio Lopez, his brothers Rodolfo (Rudy) Lopez and Raul Pacillas. He is survived by his loving wife Montserrat (Monse) Lopez, beloved brother Manuel (Manny) Pacillas and his wife, Elvia, daughters; Suzanne (Suzie) Schwitters and her husband James (Jim) Schwitters, Rozella Hernandez and husband Edward Hernandez, Lynda Pouria and husband Albert Pouria. His pride and joy were his grandchildren; Kathleen Bartlett, James Schwitters II, Valerie Schwitters, Ryan Pouria, Allison Pouria, Stephen Pouria, Emily Hernandez, John Hernandez and four great grandchildren with one on the way Madison Schwitters, Vera Schwitters, Kylie Schwitters and Juliana Bartlett. Pallbearers are James Schwitters, Ryan Pouria, Stephen Pouria, John Hernandez, Raul Martinez, Dan Martinez, Peter Pacillas and Michael Pacillas. Honorary Pallbearers are Manny Pacillas and Paul Pacillas. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Charlene Lloveras, M.D and Pratik S. Naik, M.D. from Team A at the V.A. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 11, 2016 from 5:00PM to 9:00PM, with the Holy Rosary at 7:00PM at Sunset Funeral Home-West, 480 N. Resler. Rite of the Catholic Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at 12:00 PM at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 500 W. Sunset Rd. Interment will follow at Ft.Bliss National Cemetery at 1:30PM, with Military Honors. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-West, 480 N. Resler Dr. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to El Paso Ambrosio Guillen Texas State Veterans Home 9650 Kenworthy Street, El Paso, Texas 79924 (915) 751-0967. Please visit our online guestbook at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net