Born December 12, 1940, he married his high school sweetheart, Felicitas (Feliz) Lopez, at age 19 and answered his country’s call with proud and honorable service in the U.S. Navy before and during the Vietnam War.
In his 26 year military career, he earned the rank of Chief Petty Officer and received numerous commendations and awards including the Bronze Star. After retiring from active duty, he worked as a Naval Recruiter and then as a Civil Servant at Kelly and Randolph AFB. He was a 4th degree and former Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus.
Wally was an active reader, fisherman, and woodworker who enjoyed building thoughtful gifts for family and friends. He also loved sharing memories through storytelling, eating enchiladas, hunting, playing softball, bowling, and traveling with his family.
Wally was preceded in death by his wife, Felicitas; son, Daniel; parents, Vicente Lopez and Angelita Lopes; siblings Gloria Saldivar, Elvira Olivarri, Danny Lopez, Pauline Tovar, Anita Garza, Maria Rosas, Angelita Lopez, and Sarah Gagliardi.
He is survived by his children, Dr. Steven (Amy) Lopez of Sparta, WI and Denise (Leonard II) Lausten of San Antonio; grandchildren, Natalie (Daniel) Rios, Xavier, Sophia, Santiago (Stacia), Isabel, Giovanna, Raphael, Sebastian, and Augustine Lopez, Leonard III and Felicia Lausten; great grandchildren, Ciprianna and Abel Rios and Evangeline Lopez; and many other relatives, neighbors, and friends.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation and Knights of Columbus honor ceremony at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, 6321 Bandera Road, San Antonio, on Sunday, September 27, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm with the Rosary at 6 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Luke Catholic Church, 4603 Manitou Drive, San Antonio, on Monday, September 28, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. A committal service with full military honors follows at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Shelter #3, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm.
A luncheon will be served at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 5919 Ingram Rd, San Antonio, starting at 1pm.
