Lauro L. Lopez

1924 - 2016

Rio Grande City - Lauro L. Lopez, 92, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, June 25th 2016, at his home in Rio Grande City surrounded by his loving wife of 67 years, Maria Celia Saenz, his children Daniel Roy Lopez (Toni), Diana Saldana (DD), Dalinda Canales (Hugo), Delia Cruz (Manuel) and his grandchildren.

Lauro was born on May 20, 1924 in Rio Grande City to Otila Zarate Lopez and Ernesto Lopez Sr. As a child he was actively involved within the community selling newpapers and shining shoes down Main Street. He graduated from Rio Grande City High School, and enlisted in the U.S. Army on July 4th, 1943. He was deployed to Shrivenham, England, where he was stationed in the headquarters of General Eisenhower. He served for 20 months as a medical clerk-typist in the European Theater of Operations, as a member of the 6th Field Hospital. Upon his honorable discharge on April 21st, 1946, he received the EAME Theater Ribbon, World War II Victory Ribbon, and Good Conduct Medal.

After returning home, he studied geology at the University of Texas at Austin, and then moved to New York where he worked in the garment district while pursuing a career in photography. In 1948, Lauro returned to Rio Grande City, where he sold cars, worked on the Falcon Dam project, and was employed by LFD Furniture Store for more than 16 years. In 1970, Lauro L. Lopez, decided to open his own furniture store, Triple L Furniture & Appliances, which he owned and operated until 2005.

The esteemed Mr. Lopez selflessly gave his time to his community as President of Rio Grande City Chamber of Commerce and Vice-president of Rio Grande Valley Partnership. He was a leader in the successful effort to reincorporate Rio Grande City as a city in 1993, served as Mayor Pro-Tem, City Alderman, and Chairman of the South Texas Economic Development Corporation . In 1999, he was appointed by Governor George W. Bush to the South Texas Development Council where he served as Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary-Treasurer of the Board of Directors.

Lauro L. Lopez was also the last living charter member of Rotary established January 24, 1968 and in February 1997 he was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow Award. Lauro was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Church and a charter member of the De Saules Council of the Knights of Columbus No. 2597 where he served as Grand Knight and elected as a 4th degree Knight of Columbus. In 1966-1967, Lauro was awarded Knight of the Year. Lauro was a charter member of the El Cid Caravan No. 106 Order of the Alhambra where he served as grand commander.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers, Ernesto Lopez Jr., Alvaro Lopez Sr., Leonel Lopez Sr.; sisters, Elia L. Garcia, Imelda L. Sanchez, Josefina L. Garcia; and his beloved son David Lauro Lopez and grandson Danny Roy Lopez Jr.

Lauro L. Lopez dedicated his life to being an amazing husband, father, grandfather, businessman, and an outstanding citizen whose public service has benefitted many and whose life stands as an unselfish example for all who aspire to excellence in public service.

As part of his legacy to his children, Lauro leaves his pride and joy, the Triple L Ranch. It was here where he spent the last days of his life relishing in its beauty and serenity.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 29th, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Sanchez Funeral Home in Rio Grande City, Texas. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 30th at 9:00 a.m.at Immaculate Conception Church. Interment will follow at the City Cemetery. All funeral arrangements are entrusted to Sanchez Funeral Home.

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