John C. Lopez

John was born on October 25, 1939, in Glendale, Arizona, to Victor and Concepcion Salinas Lopez. His dream of becoming an entrepreneur was shaped by the example of his parents, whose humble beginnings as grocery store owners taught him the lifelong values of respect, self-reliance, determination, and loyalty.

In 1959, he married his high school sweetheart, Patricia (Pat) Pearre. The couple moved to Flagstaff, where John attended college on a football scholarship before an injury redirected his path. He later worked as a banker, advising minority business owners on raising capital—work that ignited his passion to pursue his own business ventures.

John and Pat went on to become among the first Hispanic franchisee owners for McDonald’s in downtown Los Angeles. Of his many accomplishments in the McDonald’s system, one he was especially proud of was serving as a founding member of the McDonald’s Hispanic Operators Association (MHOA).

In 1991, John purchased a food manufacturing plant in Oklahoma City that produced beef products exclusively for McDonald’s. The company, now known as Lopez Dorada, continues as a leading supplier in the McDonald’s system today—an enduring part of his legacy.

John’s leadership extended far beyond his business achievements. He was deeply committed to giving back, serving actively with the Latino Community Development Agency and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oklahoma City.

In March 2025, John was inducted into the inaugural Oklahoma Hispanic Hall of Fame by the Oklahoma Hispanic Institute—an honor that reflected his lifelong dedication to advancing opportunity, community, and Hispanic leadership.

John considered himself fortunate to live his American dream—a dream he believed was never about wealth or possessions, but about purpose, education, perseverance, and above all, family. Family was always his greatest priority. His immediate family, his McDonald’s family, and his Lopez Dorada family form the legacy he leaves behind—one with strong, deep roots that will endure for generations.

If you asked him, he would always say, “I did it my way.”

He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor L. Lopez and Concepcion Salinas Lopez, and his granddaughter Faith Carmela Lopez.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Lopez; daughters Kathryn and Rick Thorley, Kristy and Brad Allen, Karen and Chalmer McWilliams III, John and Jeannie Lopez and David and Stacy Lopez. John is also survived by fourteen grandchildren: Jennifer and Gary Mornhinweg; Ryan and Amanda Thorley; Jacob and Micah Thorley; Lauren and Mike Strong; Grace and Jason Walker; Hannah and Tanner Weaver; Chalmer and Ashley McWilliams IV ; Diana and Walker Wilson; John and Nathan Lopez; Sabrina, Sophia, Louie, and Oscar Lopez and fourteen great-grandchildren: Brayden, Bailey, and Brooklyn Mornhinweg; Beckett, Emersyn, and Dawson Thorley; Hudson, Cannon, and Rawlings Strong; Tristan and Madeline Walker; Amelia and Callen Weaver; and Chalmer McWilliams V.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oklahoma City https://rmhc-okc.org/openingdoors/ and the Latino Community Development Association (LCDA) https://www.lcdaok.com/donate

A wake service will be held at Baggerley Funeral Home, located at 930 South Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034, on December 12, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm with family present.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, located at 900 S Littler Ave, Edmond, OK 73034, on December 13, 2025, at 11:00 am.