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BORN
1964
DIED
2009
Burton Lopez Obituary
He was born on July 6, 1964, in St. Louis. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1983 to 2003, retiring as a master sergeant. While in the Air Force, Burt was stationed at Altus Air Force Base, Okla., Scott AFB, Ill., Little Rock AFB, Ark., Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Ellsworth AFB, S.D., and Eglin AFB, Fla. He joined the Okaloosa Sheriff's Office shortly after his retirement. Burt fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer. He truly loved serving the community.
Burt was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. When not working, Burt loved spending time with his family, especially his baby girl, Madilyn. Burt was known for being a big family man with a great sense of humor. He will be dearly missed by all.
Burt is survived by his mother, Virginia; wife, Michelle; sons Jesse and Erik; daughter, Madilyn; stepchildren, Jami and Jake Castro; and grandson, Caleb "Bob." He is also survived by his sister, Deborah Edington; brother, Jesse (Susan) Lopez; mother and father-in-law, Darrell and Carol Cherrey; five sisters-in-law, Janice Bennett, Glenda Cherrey, Sue (Mark) Schwartz, Cyndi (Tim) Dearth and Kaye (Brad) Williams. Burt also leaves behind numerous aunts and uncles; along with 17 nieces and nephews. Burt was preceded in death by his father, Jesse Lopez; and his brother-in-law, Rick Edington.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday at the Crestview Community Center from 5 to 9 p.m.
The celebration of Burt's life will be held on Thursday, April 30, at Central Baptist Church at 3 p.m. with the Rev. Mark Seagle officiating. Burial will follow at Heritage Gardens Cemetery in Niceville, Fla.
Whitehurst-Powell Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Burton Lopez
Mary Newcomer
May 29, 2009
My thoughts and prayers have been with you and your family and continue to be with you. Though I did not know Deputy Lopez or your family, I went to the visitation in Crestview and stood at the entrance at Heritage Gardens out of respect and grieve for your family. My heart ached for you. May the love of God and this community sustain you in the continued days ahead. Again, my sincerest sympathy to you.
May 10, 2009
May god be with his family in this horrible time.
Richard Black
May 9, 2009
As a law enforcement officer, I feel that another brother has been lost. My thoughts and prayers are with you. His memory will always be with us and will be a reminder to those in my agency that it could have been one of us.
May 9, 2009
May your friends and loved ones guide you through this terrible time. My husband is also retired Air Force, and I am a retired Miami Dade Sheriff. Our thoughts and prayers are with you daily.
ashley wiggins
May 7, 2009
Officer Lopez was a dear friend of my aunts and I am so sorry for the loss of a fine man he was. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Jeff McGoveran
May 6, 2009
For four years Burt and I were inseprable. We joined the Air Force together, were roomates for six months while in training, and stationed at Altus Air Force Base together. Burt and I spent many hours playing cards, having family outings, going fishing, going to the gym... and much much more.
Burt was my friend, there was nothing that we couldn't talk to each other about and there was never a cross word between us. When I left the service in 1987 I knew that we would probably never see each other again, but I knew that our friendship would never end. We kept in touch by phone and letters for some time, but over the years these slowly came to an end. I haven't talked to Burt for many years but I have thought of him often, and wondered how his life was going. I cannot hear an Elvis or John Cougar Mellencamp [Jack and Dianne] song, or see a Pit Bull Terrier without thinking of him.
I heard of his passing yesterday, and cannot imagine what his family, friends and co-workers are going through. For me, I feel such a sense of loss, like a hole developed in my heart. Burt, you were such a good friend and I've missed you for many years, and am saddened to know that I will not have the privlege of meeting you again on this earth, but am comforted to know that someday we will see each other again in a much better place.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and co-workers. We are profoundly proud to call him a HERO and blessed to call him. "FRIEND"
-----------------------------------------
Burton Lopez, served with me for four years. Cheerful in all weathers, never shirked a task, splended behavior.
Pat Torre
May 5, 2009
Michelle and family, We were so saddened to hear of the loss of your husband. Please accept our sincere condolences and know that you have been in our prayers. We would have been honored to pay our respects in person if we had been in the area.
Jim & Ida Campbell
May 5, 2009
Michelle and Family,
Our sincere condolences. My heart goes out to you and the family. You are deeply in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless You!
(we were CE family at Ellsworth AFB and my son Michael Hernandez is friends with your son Jake)
Dennis Jones
May 4, 2009
My brother in arms, and fellow Equal Opportunity Classmate. My heart and prays goes out to your family during this difficult time.
Barb Wolfe (Wedig)
May 4, 2009
Michelle and family, I just heard about Burt's passing and am so so sorry. I am truly sorry I never got to meet him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care. Barb
Lori Seafler, (ret USAF 1st Sgt)
May 3, 2009
My heart goes out to you and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Uncle Steve Goldman
May 3, 2009
Michelle and family and to my best friend who I looked up to and considered my brother and respected with all my heart. burt was the greatest person I have ever met. He was a friend to all, a fmaily man, man of faith, kind hearted, and somebody I would trust my life with. I hav known Burt and the family for almost nine years and considered all of them my family. A piece of my heart was gone the moment I heard of the tragic loss. We shared many great times working together and soending time together with the fmaily outside of work. I urge all who read this to say a special prayer for Burt as he is now home in heavern looking down and over all of us and a prayer for the family during this time of grieving and always. I pray everybody will reflect on all the good times and memories and anybody that knew Burt will have positive memories to reflect on for years to come. May he rest in peace and I thank him for his service to our country, the United States Air Force, and the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Department. Also, please pray for his fellow deputy Skip York whose life was taken. Lastly, say a prayer for the deputies left with the loss of those two fine deputies and individuals. burt, I love you like a brother and you will always remain in my heart and prayers.
May God always be with you Burt, Michelle, and the entire family. Sincerely,
Your Air Force Brother, Brother in Christ, and eternal friend
Jesse Lopez
May 3, 2009
May 03, 2009
To Michelle and family
I would like for you to know your husband and father was a great man. He was such a good son and brother and he will be missed by so many but especially his family. Even though I was older, I looked up to him in so many way. Burton you will be missed and REMEMBERED AS A HERO. Wish we could just play one more game of basketball
Jesse "Bullet" Lopez
Josef & Dolsie Albert
May 2, 2009
To Michelle and family,
We are truly sorry for your loss, and that we have failed to stay in touch over the past few years. Burt was what every man wished he could be. A true mentor that was looked up to by everyone that met him. His kind and humours nature will live on through our memories of him. You have our deepest of sympathies. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
The Albert-Tomek family
The Rodriguez-Palmer Family
May 2, 2009
I would like for you to know that you all are in our prayers during this time of need. Officer Lopez is a HERO....HE WILL BE REMEMBERED.....God Bless you and your family.
Jennie Ford
May 2, 2009
Jessie and Erik
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. You are both in my thoughts and prayers. Your dad was a true hero and will be greatly missed. To Michelle and your children may you stay strong and know that noone can make this easy for you so lean on those who care for you. Always know that Burt was the All American Hero.
He will be missed by many.
Jennie Ford
Villa Ridge, MO
Kaffie ` Smith
May 2, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
May 2, 2009
The Bible leaves no doubt that there is life after death. Humanity is created for eternity. The earthly life is but an overture, a prelude of the reality to come. Blessed-happy, to be envied- are the dead "who die in the Lord." They are people who during their earthly life believed in Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord. When they exchange temporal for the eternal, their work is done. They finally have rest. All the troubles and tensions of their earthly life are behind them. They have arrived at their eternal destination. They are HOME! The dead who die in the Lord not only enjoy eternally the absence of unrest, pain and sorrow, but they also are rewarded: "Their deeds will follow them."
"Blessed are the Peacemakers for they will be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven." Matthew 5:12
Burt's life and works will never go unforgotten either here on earth nor in heaven. The best thing is we will get to see him again!!
Until Then, be our guardian angel watch over us and keep us from harms way. You will be missed!!!
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph P Bragg Jr
May 2, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mr. & Mrs. Jackson
May 2, 2009
God bless your families, both officers will be deeply missed by all those who kenw them.
L J
May 2, 2009
I am a better person because of knowing Burt Lopez.
ELIZABETH BADGER
May 1, 2009
MY THOUGHTS & PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY.. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK & DEDICATION..THANK YOU FOR SAVING LIVES & BEING A TRUE HERO...YOU WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED!!!! REST IN PEACE DEPUTY LOPEZ & YORK.
Carol McPherson
May 1, 2009
My prayers go out to you. God will see you through. May Burt rest in peace.
Ken and Jane Harris, Jonathon and lauren Sinclair
May 1, 2009
Our prayers go out to the Lopez family. Mr.Lopez will be missed by many that did not ever have the honor in meeting him
Glenda Mercado
May 1, 2009
Dear Michelle,
I join you and your family during this difficult time. You all have been family to me from day one. I will always remember the good times we had together, from the cook-outs by the pool to our trips to Pepito's in Destin, to the pranks we used to do on each other. I will always remember Burt (a.k.a. "B-Lo") not only as a friend but as a brother. Only God knows how much I wish I could turn back time and have spend more time together. I'm still trying to accept the fact that he is no longer with us but I know that God will help us through his lost. He might be physically gone but will always live in our heart until the day we get reunited in Heaven.
I'm keeping you and your family in my prayers. He might be gone but not forgotten. Rest in Peace my friend!
Love Always,
Glenda "G-Lo"
Janelle Torres
May 1, 2009
I had the honor of working with Deputy Lopez doing joint child abuse investigations. He was one of my favorite Deputies to go out with due to his professionalism and compassion for children. I remember recently going out with him and he was talking about his own children with compassion. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. May God Bless you and may Deputy Lopez Rest in Peace.
Cody & Amanda Owens
May 1, 2009
Burt you are a True Hero, God Bless you and your Family
James Bush
May 1, 2009
Though I never knew you or Skip, my heart is saddened by the loss of two good brothers. My first LEO funeral occurred when I was a young rookie up North and it was also two brave Deputies killed responding to a robbery. I have seen far too many in between and pray these will be the last, though I know it isn't to be. There are no words to express the sympathy I feel for your families loss. I look forward to seeing you my brothers on the other side of the "Thin Blue Line".
J. Bush
Mindy Roberts
May 1, 2009
I only met Deputy Burt Lopez a few times. He helped me when I needed him. When he was in the area he would stop by and check in to make sure everything was OK. He was not just an incredible police officer but he became a friend. He was truly an amazing man. I will miss him. My prayers go out to his family. God bless all of the police officers working to keep us safe. God bless Burt's family and God bless Burt Lopez.
Thana Chaitha
May 1, 2009
May Mr. Lopez rest in peace with warm loving welcome of our heavenly father and those that went before him. My prayers is also with Mr. Lopez family and may God give them blessing and abundant peace and confort.
May 1, 2009
Mr.William Slaughter & Family -Leeds,Utah
Rita Bergeron
May 1, 2009
Our hearts and thoughts are with you and your children. Burt was a wonderful person with a great sense of humor. He said he was the Dog Whisperer and we will always smile and remember him as that. This world is suffering a great loss and missing a wonderful person.
Love and Blessings to the entire Lopez Family.
The Bergeron Family, Crestview, Fl
Wayne and Heather Owens
May 1, 2009
Dear Lopez Family,
Although we did not know Burt personally, our hearts are broken for you loss. We are so thankful that Burt knew our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and take comfort in the fact that one day we "believers" will all be reunited IN HIS presence. We pray God's comfort, strength and peace be on your family during this time.
With our deepest sympathy...
Mike and Michelle Speegle
May 1, 2009
Michelle, our heartfelt condolences to you and the family. Burt's life is a legacy that has and will continue to affect people for years to come. His devotion as a husband, father, and American is an example to us all. Your support as his wife and teammate was instrumental to that. Our prayers always.
JD Davis
May 1, 2009
I'm truly sorry about your lost. Although I never met Burt, I knew he was a great man from the way his loving wife talked about him.
Donald Collins
May 1, 2009
Our deepest condolences to the Lopez Family.
Don Collins & Family Valparaiso, FL
Michelle&Jose Pereira
May 1, 2009
Michelle,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and always.
Beth Rogers
May 1, 2009
My heart goes out to you and you family. You are in my prayers. Officer Lopez is a hero. God bless you!
Terry McGraw
May 1, 2009
My heart is sad for your loss. You are in my prayers.
The Izquierdo Family
May 1, 2009
To the Lopez Family and The OCSO,
This incident was extremely tragic. We would like to share our sympathy to both The Lopez Family and to The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office. As part of the Law Enforcement Family (DOC) we are truly saddned by this situation. Deputy Lopez you will be truly missed by all. Even though some of us never met you, it still hurts to see a fellow Law Enforcement Officer go down the way it happened. You will always be known as a HERO in our eyes.
Rest In Peace, Deputy Lopez
Norma Davidson
May 1, 2009
My husband is a chaplain with the Okaloosa Co. Sheriff's office. I am ever so appreciative of your family and the many others that support their husband/wife in their line of duty. Thank you and we pray for you daily.
May 1, 2009
Mr. Leon Raiche & Family - Pensacola,FL
Nora Baker-Lawson
May 1, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of your lost.The toughts of many are with you in your time of sorrow.
Tammy Henderson
May 1, 2009
I went thru the law enforcement academy with Burt and he was a great person and will be truly missed. I will remember the Lopez family in my prayers.
Shirley Smith
May 1, 2009
Our town grieves with you. Thank God he was a Christian and we will meet again. God Bless you all.
T J
May 1, 2009
Burt your outstanding service to this community will be never forgotten and greatly missed. May you look down upon us and continue your great services with the lord and no that our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family.
Dallas And Family
May 1, 2009
There are no words to express the graditude for the sacrifices, given by our local law enforcement and our armed forces. Thank you for allowing us to be safe! Thank you to Him and all others who go into harms way for others. God Bless. Always.
lakeysha baldon
May 1, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.May your memories get you through.
Janet Talcott
May 1, 2009
I am so sorry for you lost... My prayers are with all of you. I want to thank the Okaloosa County Sheriffs for everything they do.
The Browns
May 1, 2009
Many thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Courtney Hatten
May 1, 2009
We are praying for you during this difficult time and hope you find comfort in knowing he is with God.
Monty Vaughn
May 1, 2009
I was one of the many standing on the side of Hwy 85 as the funeral procession passed by on Thursday afternoon. I was very humbled and touched by the show of support from so many who, like me, never knew Burt Lopez. I am so sad for this tragic loss of life, and could never imagine what his family and friends must be going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sarah Schwab
May 1, 2009
I'm so sorry for your loss. He served our country well and God will reward him. God Bless.
Connie Amy
May 1, 2009
Officer Lopez:
My thoughts and prayer's are with your family. Thank for the sacrifice you gave everyday to keep us safe.
Jessica Thalacker
May 1, 2009
My condolences to the family and friends of a truly wonderful man.His sacrifice will not be forgotten.
Shonta Alexander
May 1, 2009
Michelle and family, I am so sorry for your lost. Although, our husbands share the same profession, I can't even begin to understand your pain but what I can do is pray for you often. Be strong in the Lord.
Debbie & Perry Chapman
May 1, 2009
We are greatly saddened for you and your loved ones by the loss of your beloved.
May the Lord bless you and comfort you in
the days and months ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
SANDY JOHNSON
May 1, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and to all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace
Sal Lopez
May 1, 2009
He is a hero and as a fellow Christian I will see him again and tell him in person when I'm in heaven
Luis Gutierrez (MSgt Ret)
May 1, 2009
Michelle and family,
Nothing I can say that will make the pain go away but know that i'm extremely sorry for your loss. I know that Burt was a good man just from the times I met him at the Ellsworth AFB fitness center where I worked. He always had a smile and good things to say. It's sad to know that there will always be people like the one who took him away from you, but also glad to know that there will always be people like Burt that will stand up to them. Wish I could give you all just one more day with him.
Georgia Nix
May 1, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow. I truly appreciate the sacrifice Burt gave for our Country and for our community. He will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. May God Bless You!
Matthews
May 1, 2009
Our prayers go out to the Lopez family. Thanks Officer Lopez.
Shannon Lewis
May 1, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. Though I only met him once, his kindness will always be remembered. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Lolita Daniel
April 30, 2009
Just remmeber he was a brave man and my prayers are with the Lopez Family. He is a Hero!
JR&Gloria COX
April 30, 2009
To the Lopez Family
Our Thoughts and prayers are with you.
may God bless.
J B
April 30, 2009
We are so sorry... God Bless him and keep him.
Sandi Bales
April 30, 2009
To the Lopez and York Families,
Mere words are inadequate to convey my sadness for all of you in light of the events of Saturday. I send to you my deepest and sincerest condolences. The guys are the truest definitions of heros. God Bless all of you.
Misty Provo
April 30, 2009
I know that no words could ever repair the grief and loss that you are suffering. Please know even those (like myself) who did not know Burt or your family are suffering with you at the loss of this American Hero. May God comfort you and may you find peace in knowing that Burt is with our heavenly father. This is only but a season until once again you will be reunited. Turn your sufferings to God and he will give you rest. I will be praying for your family in this time of sorrow.
I would also like to thank you and your family for the service that Burt provided to the community. Very few know the family sacrifices but all know the greatest sacrifice. Burt will not be forgotten.
Love in Christ!
The Provo Family
Marty Ruiz
April 30, 2009
To the Lopez Family
I didnt know Burt, however, as a USAF retiree I consider Burt as a member of a large military retiree family. His commitment to serving and protecting carried on from country to community. Burt was a true American Hero.....always.
Respectfully
Marty Ruiz
CMSGT, USAF, Retired
Albuquerque NM
Andrea Thompson
April 30, 2009
I just want to say I am so sorry for your loss I met Burt a couple of times and he was truly a great man with a big heart and our thoughts and prayers are with you
Jan, Oliver & Griffin Klem
April 30, 2009
There are no bad guys in heaven. Rest in your much-deserved peace.
God bless you and your family.
Sally Bibby
April 30, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Deneise (Hannah) Lopez
April 30, 2009
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the Lopez Family during this time of sorrow. May God Bless each and every one of you. Your Family will always be into my prayers. "The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord" - Job 1:21
Regina Van Buren-Groundwater
April 30, 2009
Michelle,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Burt will always be remembered as a true American hero. It was my honor to serve with both of you.
Cathy DeLaGarza
April 30, 2009
Michelle and family,
My friend, my heart breaks with you and the loss of your loving husband. Our prayers are with you now and forever. We will always fondly remember Burt and his gentle smile.
Cindi Smith
April 30, 2009
May the memories of your loved one comfort you in the days ahead. The selfless dedication to this country is greatly appreciated.
Krissi Sayles
April 30, 2009
My heart and prayers go out to the Lopez family for the loss of a great person. Being military I want to say thank you and that we as a military lost a true American hero! God bless you all in this time of tragedy.
Ann Brocksmith
April 30, 2009
To the Lopez Family and the OCSO.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. I didn't know your loved one but my heart goes out to you. May he rest in peace. Keep him in your hearts forever.
Linda Bledsoe
April 30, 2009
To the Lopez Family,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. May God embrace you in His arms as you go through this pinful time, and may the spirit of Burt fly high like an eagle, a true American Hero!!!
Bonnie Byrkett
April 30, 2009
What Tomorrow May Bring
Today is the first day of my life
Living each as if it's my last
For no one knows what tomorrow may bring
So I live each day to the fullest
Not thinking of what happened yesterday
For it is now in the past
Yet not looking at tomorrow
For no one knows what tomorrow may bring
See, life is to short to worry or complain
This is why I must live day by day
For no one knows what tomorrow may bring
Each day that I wake
I thank the Lord for blessing me with one more day
To share my love, laughter and happiness
To anyone that comes my way
For no one knows what tomorrow may bring
And if the good Lord takes me as I sleep
I'll know that my job is complete
For no one knows what tomorrow may bring
Bonnie L. Byrkett
Jan Bennett
April 30, 2009
My beloved sister and family there are no words to express the sorrow I feel for all of you. You are all in my heart and my prayers are with you. I love you.
Danny Hoyt
April 30, 2009
To the Lopez family,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss and my heart goes out to you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.
RONNIE ADAMS
April 30, 2009
TO THE LOPEZ FAMILY, WE ARE SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR HUSBAND & FATHER.HE WAS A VERY BRAVE OFFICER AND GAVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO ALL OF YOU. WE ARE YOUR NEIGHBORS AROUND THE CORNER ON BARTON RD. PLEASE LET US HELP YOU FOR ANY REASON ANY TIME. RONNIE & MARGARET ADAMS
Brenda Odom
April 30, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family......
Robert & Rebecca Hensel
April 30, 2009
To the Lopez Family,
I am sorry for your loss. I saw Burt at the jail and at the gym almost daily. He was a kind and compassionate person only interested in others well being. I recently had my first child and he talked about how great his family was. I don't believe you could ask for a better HERO. He epitomizes the word and will be greatly missed. Behind every great man is an even better woman, my families thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lisa Lydston
April 29, 2009
I had the honor of working with Burt doing joint child abuse investigations. He had an amazing ability to calm any parent and bring peace to the home. He was a warm man with a huge heart that only God can create. It was an honor to work beside him and to know him. He was a brother in Christ.
I know he is now with our Father, rejoicing in the wonder of all that being with Christ brings. Dance for us Burt. I rejoice that you are now completely embraced in Jesus' loving arms.
Father, your word says that you will cause the young women to dance, and the men will join in the celebration, that you will turn their mourning into joy and comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing. Your word I rely and know it to be true. In Jesus' name. Amen (Jer 31:13)
Jan & Joe Leinweber
April 29, 2009
To the Lopez Family,
I was sorry to read the online paper about my old hometown and see yet another American Hero lost to all. I know words can't heal the sorrow you are feeling right now, but please know that my husband's and my prayers are with you. We thank your husband for his service in the military and with the Sheriffs department and his service to our country.
Sandi Morse
April 29, 2009
I am so terriby sorry for your loss. He certainly sounds like he was a wonderful husband, father, brother, and son. Keep him in your hearts and he will be with you forever.
Yvonne Lucas
April 29, 2009
Dear Lopez Family,
You lost a most important part of your life and I won't tell you it will be easy to adjust to life without him...but God is still God and He still cares for you....lean on Him. Also your friends "need" you to lean on them - they are at a loss of what to do so call on them, they will be there for you. May God bless you all during this most difficult time.
K Orth
April 29, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jacqueline Hall
April 29, 2009
To the Lopez Family,
My sincerest condolences go out to you during this very sad time. I can only imagine the pain you are feeling, but hopefully through prayer you will remain strong. Burt and I were stationed together in Osan Korea and he made quite an impression on me...one that has lasted to this day. Be comforted in knowing that Burt was truly a "Good Man" that touched many lives in a very positive way. He will be sorely missed.
Jenna Oliver
April 29, 2009
Mrs. Lopez and family,
Burt was the nicest guy I have ever met. Walking in to briefing with him was always fun. He was always smiling and had a way of making anyone who looked at him smile too. I'm sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Nan Boswell
April 29, 2009
My heart, thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Ken Christmas
April 29, 2009
Once again, the “Thin Blue Line” between peace and anarchy has stretched a little thinner with this tragic loss.
Just last week I tried to recruit you but you refused, smiled that warm smile of yours and said, “I can’t Lt. I love what I am doing.” Those of us that worked with you know that statement could be no truer – you loved what you were doing.
In John 15:13, The Bible says, “No greater love hath a man, than to lay down his life for another.” On April 25, 2009, you gave the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the citizens of Okaloosa County. For that, we will be forever in your debt.
I know it is no consolation for your family but I want them to know their husband, their father, their brother, and their son is, and was, a true professional, and a hero in all respects. He upheld the highest traditions of both the military and the law enforcement professions. The words on his badge, “Honesty” and “Integrity” are not just words. They were a way of life for Burt and he stood steadfast on those principles, even under the most trying of times. He was a positive influence and he touched the lives of each and every person with whom he came in contact. Those of us who worked with him are hurting and grieving with you, because we too have lost a brother. With this loss, none of our lives can ever be the same.
You can rest now Burt, we have the watch. The pain and sorrow we are feeling now will eventually fade with time – but you will always be in our hearts. I know the arms of the Lord are wrapped around you and I know we will see you again.
Rest in Peace Brother… It is with a heavy heart that I render you a tearful and final salute.
Keira Jones
April 29, 2009
Michelle, I cannot express how my heart goes out to you and your family. I know what he meant to all of you. I pray that God's Holy Spirit will comfort you and your family during this time of grief. If there is anything I can do, please let me know.
cherry hergesheimer
April 29, 2009
God bless you in this your time of sorrow!
Thank god for people like officer lopez he was a true hero!!
Marilee Watkins
April 29, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. Please be comforted in knowing that he gave everything to protect others.....he is a hero.
Joe Venegas
April 29, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with the Lopez family.
April 29, 2009
To the Lopez Family,
We are praying for your family in your time of loss and sadness. Just know that you are not alone,people from far and wide are praying for and have you in their thoughts but more importantly the Lord is walking by your side and will carry you through--just lean on Him. Even though we did not know Burt we know that he was loved by all who had the honor of knowing him and he is our hero.
In Christian Love,
Ken and Ann Shealy
Panama City, Fl
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How to support Burton's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
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The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Burton Lopez's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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