Carlos "Charles" Santos Lopez Sr.

Charles was born on November 4, 1916 in Longworth, TX. Charles, his 2 brothers, and 5 sisters were raised by his father and his grandmother in Courtney, TX. He left school at an early age to help his father full-time as a farmer. Charles worked hard as a farmer until he was called to the service on July 17, 1942 where he was drafted in the 223rd Engineer (C) Company. However, before leaving for the service he married the love of his life, Alice G. Lopez, on March 21, 1942. During his time in the service, Charles was awarded the following medals: Good Conduct, American Campaign, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign with 1 bronze service star, World War II Victory, Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, and Expert Badge with Rifle Bar.

After discharge, Charles returned home to be with his wife and first-born child, Charlie Jr., in Bryan, Texas. He went to work for R.B. Butler, and later went to work for Bryco, a division of R.B. Butler, as a Supervisor. He worked for 40 years and provided for his wife and nine children. His love and devotion to his family didn't stop when his kids married and left home. He continued to be supportive in every way possible. He loved being surrounded by his family.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Lopez; parents, Nieves and Maria Lopez; brothers, Jose Lopez and Jesse Lopez; sisters, Rafaela Lopez Aranjo, Juanita Lopez Elizondo, and Leonor Lopez Ruiz.

Charles is survived by 2 sisters, Josephine Lopez Ruiz, Ernestina Lopez Puentes; children, Charles Lopez, Jr. and wife Yolanda, Mary Jane Flores and husband Augustine, Melba Garza and husband Sal, Helen Duron and husband Daniel, Eva Montoya and husband Richard, Veronica Boatman and husband Marvin, Amelia Hodge and husband Travis, Robert Lopez and wife Betty, Josie King and husband David; 23 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive family and friends on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 from 5-8 PM at Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan, TX with a prayer service at 7 PM. A funeral service celebrating his life will be held on Thursday, April 28, 2016 at 10 AM at First Mexican Baptist Church, 1009 N. Sims, Bryan, TX. Interment will follow at Rest-Ever Memorial Cemetery.

The family would like to thank family and friends for all their support and prayers. Thank you to caregivers Rosie Cruz, Allas Ramirez, and Donna Eshenbaugh. A special thanks to the Hospice nurses for the wonderful care and attention given to our daddy.