Pedro "Pete" Lopez Jr.

It is with a broken heart that we announce the passing of our wonderful dad, Pedro Lopez, Jr. He died peacefully on February 28, 2026, with his son by his side. He was 93 years old at the time of his death. He was a lifelong, devout Catholic whose life was a testament to his faith.

He was born on June 23, 1932, in El Paso, Texas, to Pedro Lopez and Viviana Tejeda. He was named after his dad, but everyone knew him as Pete. He was a wonderful man in every way. He was very kind, loving, friendly, caring, and helpful to everyone that he knew. Pete was the baby in his family.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Carmen Chavez, and his daughter, Denise Marie, his parents, Pedro and Viviana, his sisters, Santos Fiero, Mercedes Rodriguez, and Juana Rico, his brothers, Mayo Lopez, Robert Lopez, and Tony Lopez. He is survived by his daughter, Linda (Galen) Poss, son, Ron (Krista) Lopez, and daughter, JoAnn (Russ) Berkoff. He was lovingly known as “Poppie” to his grandchildren, Joseph (Elizabeth) Pelletier, Jennifer (Keith) Dunnam, Keegan (Sam) Owen, Taylor Poss, Brittney (Kyle) Brengel, Rachael Berkoff: and cherished great-grandchildren: Zooey Pelletier, Ford Pelletier, Zelda Pelletier, Zephyr Pelletier, Kinley Brengel, Palmer Brengel, Patton Brengel, Layla Owen, Morrison Owen, Mimi Dunnam, Warren Dunnam and Poppy Dunnam.

At 17, he joined the Army and went through basic training in Ft Bliss, Texas. He fought in the Korean War and did two tours in the Vietnam war where he received the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement against hostile forces. He also spent time in Guam, Japan, Fort Ord, California, Germany, France, and finished his military career in Fort Bliss, where he started. He received many awards, medals, and citations throughout his time in the Army. He retired as a Command Sergeant Major with 30 years of service to our country. After his family, his military career was his greatest pride and joy.

After retiring from the Army, Pete joined the United States Customs and Immigration Service, where he worked for customs on the El Paso/Mexico border station and the Presidio/Mexico border station. He served with them for ten years before retiring for good.

At 23, he met Carmen Chavez, and six months later, they were married on August 31, 1954. They started their family soon after. They would go on to have four children that they adored. They shared many adventures throughout their lives together. They taught all of us the importance of family and spending time together. They loved music, dancing, and getting together with our many relatives. Most of all, they loved being with their children and grandchildren.

Pete enjoyed gardening, coin collecting, and most of all spending time with friends and family. He always welcomed family and guests to come and visit for as long as they wanted. He was an avid swimmer and diver and enjoyed hosting swimming parties in the backyard.

We have so many wonderful memories of our dad. He never said an unkind word about anyone and always had a big hug for those that he loved. He will be forever missed.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 18th, at 10:30 at The Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Grand Prairie, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX 75211.

A reception will immediately follow at El Ranchito, 3517 S. Cooper St, Arlington, TX 76015.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Pedro's memory to the Alzheimer’s Foundation. A link is provided below.

https://alzfdn.org/donate