Celedonio Lopez

March 3, 1922 - December 3, 2015

Celedonio “Charlie” Villareal Lopez, born on March 3, 1922 to Romaldo and Maria Lopez in San Antonio, Texas, entered into Heaven on December 3, 2015 at the age of 93. Celedonio, a loving brother is preceded by five brothers, Manuel Lopez, Sr., Bruno Lopez, Eusebio Lopez, Joe Lopez, Richard Lopez, and four sisters, Ascension Gamez, Jacinta Ramirez, Petra Valdez, and Virginia Solis.

Reunited with his beloved wife, Maria De La Luz Falcon Lopez, who departed thirty-five years ago, Celedonio is also reunited with his son Felipe Falcon Lopez and our adopted sister, Patti Gil Lopez.

Celedonio was blessed with a large and loving family, which was always first and foremost. He is survived by his children, Robert F. Lopez, Sr. and wife Sue; Beatrice Lopez Ortega and husband Hermann; Anna Lopez Gonzales and husband Jimmy; Felix Falcon Lopez and wife Debbie; and Ernestine Lopez Greathouse and husband Jeff. Grandchildren are Robert Lopez, Jr. and wife Mariebelle; Lori Lopez DiBacco; Aaron Bevil; Rafael Eduardo Ortega and Cherina Sellens; Maria Isabel Ortega; Sonya Maria Gonzales and Pete Matthews; Jesse Gonzales and wife Alissa; David Lopez and wife Jamie; Rebecca Lopez Besormeaux and husband Ben; Charlie Lopez and wife Emily; and Ben Lopez. Great-grandchildren are Shani DiBacco, Briana Lopez, Austin Bevil, Reagan Bevil, Esme Paz Brisgone, Luciano Falcon Brisgone, Parker James Gonzales, Phoenix Lopez, and Maverick Lopez. Great-great grandchildren are Masaunta Washington and Finessa Higgins. Celedonio’s family includes many nieces, nephews, and cousins in San Antonio, Texas, whom he loved dearly.

As a young man, he came to Port Arthur from San Antonio to seek employment in the construction field. Instead of construction, he was offered a position at Texaco Refinery (The Texas Company), where he devoted 42 years of his life. He had an extensive collection of Texaco memorabilia and was very proud to “wear the Texaco star” daily. Because his philosophy on staying young was to “keep active,” he was self-employed as a landscaper in his post-retirement years.

A wonderful Christmas tradition Celedonio started many years ago was when he donned his Santa suit and became Santa Charlie. He spread merriment and cheer to his family and friends, near and far. Visits to centers for the mentally challenged brought him the most happiness and joy during the holiday season.

In addition to the daily care given by his children and personal caregivers, Felicia and Bridget Chilo, Shirley and Dahlia Lopez, Celedonio was treated and cared for by local healthcare professionals and their staff. Our family extends sincere gratitude to each and every one with a special thank you to Gulf Health Care Center and staff, where he was affectionately known as “Pops and Poppi.”

Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 8 from 8:00am to 10:00am at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home, 5200 39th Street, Groves, Texas. Funeral service to follow at Thompson Memorial Chapel at Clayton Thompson. Celedonio’s final resting place will be in All Souls Mausoleum at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Celedonio Villareal Lopez – Gracias A Dios. Daddy, you are loved and missed and will always be in our hearts. Feliz Navidad, Santa Charlie, and as you always said, Ho Ho Ho.