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BORN
1955
DIED
2023
John Lopez Obituary
Sept. 25, 1955
Jan. 28, 2023
John Andrew Lopez, local Porterville businessman and owner of All About Ice Cream entered eternity on Jan. 28, 2023
Born in Brawley, CA on Sept 25, 1955 to Roque and Clara Lopez, his father passed away soon after John was born. Raised in Merced, he attended Merced schools, was an avid drummer in his high school band, before working in construction framing homes for eight years. In 1979, he married Debbie, whose family ran an ice cream store in Merced. In 1981, when interest rates soared and housing starts came to a standstill, John and Debbie purchased the local ice cream franchise at the corner of Olive and D in Porterville. When the relationship with the franchiser soured in 1998, he and Debbie, with help from the community turned the store into All About Ice Cream. Later, they moved across town to Henderson Ave, where John continued scooping ice cream until his death.
After high school, John was "tricked" into playing drums for a local Merced church, where he fell in love with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His passion for music shifted to worship, where he vowed to only use his talents to worship God. Because of this vow, he has blessed many congregations in the Porterville area with his acts of worship over the last 40 years.
John was preceded in death by his father, Roque Lopez, his mother Clara Onstead, step-father JW Onstead, and older brother Rocky Lopez. He is survived by his wife of almost 44 years, Debbie, five sons: Steve (Krista), Tim (Jenna), Sam (Michelle), David (Janell), and Daniel, two daughters: Leah Ince, and Katie (Marcus) Camarena, and nine grandchildren.
A worship celebration will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 18, at the Terra Bella Church of the Nazarene, 23414 Ave 95, Terra Bella, CA 93270, with reception following. Feel free to wear your favorite Hawaiian attire!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Lopez
Teri Ringe
June 22, 2023
I am saddened to learn of John's passing, but so glad he is with the Lord! Many times over the years John, Debbie, & I enjoyed conversations at the ice cream shop about how we make our decisions based on what we think the Lord wants us to do. I think of John & Debbie as dear Christian friends & I pray for God's comfort to surround Debbie & their family as they grieve. I am so sorry not to have known earlier. My husband Bob and I moved to Bakersfield 7 years ago, and I don't hear much of the news that goes on in Porterville. My heart goes out to you, Debbie!
Mona
March 11, 2023
Always smiling and very caring and friendly all these years I would go into the ice cream shop. May God bless you all and hold on to all those beautiful memories
Michael Kasimoff
March 10, 2023
When my wife and I moved to Porterville in April of 1988, after dinner we went into town for ice cream. That´s where I met John. While John was making a cone for my wife and a three scoop sundae for myself, I told him we just moved into town from Los Angeles and were happy there was a local ice cream shop. We talked for almost an hour. And over the next 34 years, almost every time we met, we talked for almost an hour. And sometimes more. I will miss our conversations. I pray that God will send Debbie and family strength and comfort to help them through this difficult time.
Shonna Johnson
February 19, 2023
God has richly blessed you Debbie with the time you had with John and your wonderful children and grandchildren. I remember being your wingman way back you two first met. Remember God loves you and has plans for your life. Love you Debbie!
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Karen and George Gilmer
February 18, 2023
We know he will be missed but we are praising the Lord for his life, he truly was a blessing to others. May the Lord give you peace and comfort at this time. We enjoyed the whole family when we attended the church when it was PV EV Free. He truly worshipped the Lord with his music.
Jay Clark
February 18, 2023
John was a good and godly man and a good friend. I have long since moved out of Porterville, but every time I return, I always made it a point to stop by the ice cream shop and visit him and Debbie. He will be greatly missed.
Stephanie Duron
February 18, 2023
Debbie and family, I was so shocked to hear this news. I pray that the peace that passes all understanding will encompass you all, and that you will feel the comfort of the Lord's arms wrapped around all of you. Love you.
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