Mr. Edward Thomas Lopes

Mr. Lopes was born in Hanford, CA on September 26, 1925 to Manuel and Mary Lopes.

He attended St. Rose's Catholic grammar school in Hanford, CA. Upon graduation he entered St. John's Seminary in Camarillo, CA for two years before returning to Hanford High School, graduating in 1943. Edward then went on to join the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. He served as a Ball Turret Gunner in a B-17 Bomber and as a Bombardier in a B-29 Bomber from 1943 to 1946.

Returning from military service he began working for Tarr's men's clothing store in Hanford, CA which was bought by Harry Coffee. On June 21, 1948, he married his high school sweetheart, Gloria Pia at Mission San Juan Bautista. Eddy went on to work for Coffee's in both Bakersfield and Fresno. Working his way up the ranks he became the Vice President and Merchandise Buyer until the company's closure in 1985. During his time at Coffee's he was an active member of the Bakersfield Lions Club and the Fresno Optimist Club. After retiring from Coffee's, Eddy embarked on his second career working part time at Fig Garden Golf Course and Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home. He finally retired for good after 20 years from the funeral home in 2013 at the age of 88 years old.

Eddy and Gloria enjoyed traveling to many parts of the world, mostly taking cruises whenever the opportunity arose. They also made an annual trip to Mission San Juan Bautista to renew their vows, joined by their children and grandchildren.

He was a Charter Member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Eddy was a founding and Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 6092.

Edward will be remembered as man who lived his faith. His priorities God, family and career remained constant throughout his life.

The family would like to thank caregiver Zella Grassi of Interim Healthcare, Grace Schultz, his many Doctors and Nurses, San Joaquin Valley Rehab, Healthy Living at Home Therapists, the entire staff at Clovis Community Medical Center and the Sisters and entire staff of Fresno Nazareth House for all of their help and excellent care they provided.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Emily Fagundes; and brother Alvin Lopes.

He is survived by Gloria, his wife of 67 years; his children, daughter, Janet Shebelut and husband Dr. Richard Shebelut; son, Jim Lopes. He is the proud grandfather of Dr. Conrad Shebelut and wife Dr. Dorothy Shebelut, Captain Andrew Shebelut, United States Air Force and fiancée Samanta Saura-Perez, Dr. Miles Lopes and Hallie Lopes; sister, LaVerne Coelho of Pismo Beach; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns and Blair Funeral Home on Thursday, February 25, 2016, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. followed by Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Shrine of St. Therese Catholic Church on Friday, February 26, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Nazareth House, 2121 North First Street, Fresno, California 93703 or Knights of Columbus Council 6092.