Joel Lopez Sr.

Joel Lopez, Sr., 78, of Brownsville, Texas, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, peacefully entered into eternal rest on January 8, 2024.

Born in Brownsville on May 4, 1945, to Jose and Julia Martinez Lopez, he leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Maria de los Angeles Lopez Hoehne and Paula Lopez Greene. Joel is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jovita Sanchez Lopez, and their children Joel Lopez, Jr. (Carmen), Marco Antonio Lopez (Blanca), Julia Flores (Eduardo), Jose Lopez (Angelica), and Paula Eloisa Burnias (Rene). His adoring grandchildren include Ashley Marie Lopez, Hypatia Abigail Lopez, Marco Antonio Lopez II, Malachi Liam Lopez, Lizzie Summer Flores, Christian Lopez, Marian Anyelin Tapia, Mya Herrera, and Matilda Burnias.

Joel’s enduring spirit is also carried by his sister Maria Elena Lopez Pallotta and his brothers Gilberto, Arturo, and David Lee Lopez and numerous nieces and nephews.

Throughout his life, Joel found immense joy in simple pleasures, with a particular passion for Tejano music, favoring artists such as Los Dos Gilbertos, Gilberto Perez, Ruben Vela, and Tony de la Rosa. Wherever he went, a distinctive sight was Joel adorned in his boots and Stetson hats. His boots, worn from his love for dancing, were frequently replaced, a testament to his commitment to the dance floor. Whether it was a wedding, quinceañera, or just a lively party, Joel consistently took the lead on the dance floor.

Joel was also an avid fisherman, frequently spotted with a 10-foot bamboo fishing pole in hand. Whether by a serene resaca or along the shores of a peaceful beach, Joel found solace and joy in the simple act of casting his line. Each fishing excursion became a cherished moment, blending the tranquility of the environment with the thrill of the catch.

He took immense pride in his children, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and the joy of shared moments.

Serving as pallbearers are Joel Lopez, Jr., Marco Antonio Lopez, Jose Lopez, Eduardo Flores, Jr., Rene Burnias, and David Sanchez.

Visitation is scheduled from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2024, with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. The chapel opens at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, January 12, 2024, with a chapel service commencing at 2:00 p.m., burial to follow at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens at 3:00 p.m.

Services are under the guidance of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory & Flower Shop. 657 Springmart Blvd., Brownsville, Texas. (956) 350-8485

To send flowers or a plant to the family in the memory of Mr. Joel Lopez Sr. please visit Didi’s Flower Shop at Sunset Memorial, place your order online at https://didisflowershop.com/shop or call (956) 572-3872.