Arthur Manuel Lopez

An era has ended with the passing of Arthur Manuel Gonzales Lopez. He came into this world as he left it, on a cold winter day in January 15, 1924, in Kansas City, Kansas and left us on a cold winter's night January 19, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. Yes, he just made it over the finish line, to 101 years of age. What a blessing to have him with us.

Manuel was born to Calixto Reynoso Lopez and Rita Munoz Gonzalez. Manuel is preceded in death by his siblings Ladislao Gonzales (and Josephine) Lopez, Robert Gonzales (and Jovita) Lopez, Rodolfo Gonzales (and Isabel) Lopez, Jose Alfonso Gonzales (and Ruth) Lopez, Jovita Gonzales Lopez, Fernando Gonzales Lopez, Alfredo Gonzales Lopez, and twins Alfredo Gonzales and Maria Gonzales de La Luz Lopez, and his parents, the love of his life his wife of 62 years Mary Louise Becerra Melgoza de Lopez who passed in 2009 and their infant daughter Suzanne Therese Lopez. He is survived by his children Jerry Thomas (and Lori) Lopez, Ronald Louis (and Carol) Lopez, Robert Alexander Lopez and Debbie (and Jack) West. His many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren and his sister Angelina Gonzales (and deceased husband Martin) Garcia.

Manuel served in the Navy during the Second World War in the Pacific. He ran a photography studio for several years and was a portraiture and wedding photographer in his spare time. He was a jack of all trades and helped others. He was known as Art at the General Motors assembly plant in Fairfax, Kansas from which he retired as a maintenance welder. He enjoyed playing the piano, reading and sharing his life experiences with family, friends and complete strangers.

Manuel was the epitome of a gentleman. He loved, honored and cherished his wife all of her life and beyond. He was a loving and devoted son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandparent, friend and considered by many a father figure.

A Rosary will be prayed on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 8:15 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 3333 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri, followed by a visitation from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM and Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 AM. Interment immediately after Mass at Calvary Cemetery, 6901 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Missouri.