Eulogio Reyes Lapuz

Eulogio was born in Candaba Pampanga, Central Luzon, Philippines. He was the son of a sharecropper and the fifth of eleven children. His100 years of life began in a bamboo hut sleeping on woven mats amongst the rice fields of the Philippines. His was an incredible life journey. During his youth, he survived World War II and Japanese occupation. In 1946, he joined the United States Navy and proudly served until 1965. He selflessly sent home every bit of his paychecks in order to help the rest of his family. His selflessness is the foundation upon which the success of the Lapuz family is built. In order to have spending money, he learned to sew, and he made alterations for his shipmates. In 1956, he married the love of his life, Africa, and their son, Alexis, was born soon after. His Navy career brought him to various locales, including Japan and Maryland, before coming to California.

After military retirement, Eulogio settled in Stockton, California and opened a successful import business as well as a restaurant and a bar. Eulogio was a community activist who worked tirelessly to ensure safe, affordable housing for the Filipino community. When the construction of the crosstown freeway decimated the section of Stockton known as Little Manila in the late 60’s and early 70’s, many elderly Filipinos were displaced and relegated to living in squalid hotels. Eulogio was one of the leaders instrumental in the creation of the Filipino plaza to provide affordable housing and maintain the sense of community. Over 50 years later, this remains a lasting legacy.

He was deeply devoted to his wife and son. Above all else, Eulogio was a devout Christian who exemplified his faith through his words and actions. He is profoundly missed by Africa, Alexis, brothers Narciso and Bayani, sister Natividad, extended family, and friends.

A visitation for Eulogio will be held Thursday, July 18, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at DeYoung Shoreline Chapel, 7676 Shoreline Drive, Stockton, California. Friends and family are invited to share thoughts and memories from 5-7PM.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, July 19, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Horizon Christian Fellowship, 10702 Lower Sacramento Road, Stockton, California.

Burial will occur Friday, July 19, 2024 at 12:30 PM at Cherokee Memorial Park, Highway 99 and Harney Lane, Lodi, California.