Louis Raymond Lopez

PEORIA ~ Louis Raymond Lopez, 90, of Peoria, beloved husband for 63 years to the late Dixie Fern Lopez ( 2018) peacefully passed away Sunday, December 31, 2023 at Carle Health Methodist Hospital in Peoria.

Born January 5, 1933 in Marks, Louisiana to Lawrence and Odelia Cecelia (Landry) Lopez. He was also preceded in death by his parents; nine brothers and three sisters.

Surviving are three children, Jesse (Fawn) Lopez of Chicago, Donna (Dan) Stewart of East Peoria and Danny (Karen) Lopez of Port Richey, Florida; five grandchildren, Elizabeth (Matt) Partee, Paul (Melissa) Hoagland, Johnathon Lopez, Larissa Lopez and Danny Lopez, Jr., (Wendy Rogers); four great-grandchildren, Landon and Tyler Partee, Evan Hoagland, Jakob Stewart; and two siblings, Anna Mae Neff and Rosemary Cox, both of New Roads, Louisiana.

Louis valued three core aspects of life deeply: his marriage, his children, and the belief in the importance of hard work. He instilled in his children a sincere appreciation for hard work and honesty, contributing to their numerous successes and providing Louis a profound sense of accomplishment.

Known for his ever-present smile, contagious laughter, and an open home that welcomed friends and family, Louis created an environment where sincerity and commitment were admired and respected. Friends of his children expressed sentiments such as “He was a kind and decent man. People like your dad make my life rich” and “He always brightened my day and made others smile. I’ll miss him.” Another heartfelt tribute mentioned, “Words can’t express how much he meant to me. I’ll miss our talks but knowing how he missed Dixie, I’m so happy they’re together again.”

He found joy in the great outdoors, especially through his passion for fishing and hunting, traditions he proudly passed down. His love for sports was not just about the game; it was about witnessing three generations embrace athletics and life lessons learned on the playing field, held an immense importance throughout his life.

Louis was a veteran of the United States Army and he retired a proud member of Teamsters & Chauffeurs Union Local 627 in Peoria after more than forty years.

Visitation: Friends may call from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin, Illinois.

Funeral: Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin, Illinois. Pastor Delbert Ray Draper will officiate. Burial will follow the funeral service as his body will be laid to rest at Smithville Cemetery in rural Hanna City, Illinois.

Memorial contributions may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice.

To express thoughts and condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com