On Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., Alfred D. Lopez—loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, uncle, foster father, foster grandfather, and dear friend—passed away peacefully at the age of 99 years and 10 months, just weeks shy of his 100th birthday.

Alfred was born on Thursday, February 18, 1926, in Webster, Texas, to Solomon Lopez and Felicitas Duenas Lopez, both native Texans. He was the third of six children and the eldest son.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Solomon and Felicitas Lopez; his sisters Anita Rivera and her husband Basil Rivera Sr., Lydia Becerra and her husband Robert Becerra Sr., Aurora Torres and her husband Pete Torres, and Felicitas Tovar; his brother Augustine Lopez and wife Sarah Lopez; his son Joe L. Juarez; and his beloved granddaughter, whom he raised, Valerie Estrada-Campos.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Mary Lopez; his children: daughter Gloria Guerrero and husband Juan Guerrero Sr.; daughter Dorthy Munoz; daughter Lorraine Estrada and husband Jerry Estrada Sr.; daughter Carolyn Lopez; son Solomon Lopez; daughter Cynthia Palmer and husband Benjamin Palmer; son Don Juarez and wife Zekira Baltic-Juarez; and daughter Lillie Lopez and Mark Trevino all of the greater Houston area.

Alfred was blessed with 20 grandchildren, as well as numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Alfred married the love of his life, Mary Lopez, on February 2, 1969, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Together they shared 56 wonderful years of marriage and built a strong, loving family.

A proud ninth-generation native Texan, Alfred often spoke of the rich history his family lived through, spanning five flags: Spain, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederacy, and the United States of America.

From a young age, Alfred was known for his strong work ethic, determination, and devotion to family. At just 16 years old, he saved his earnings to purchase several acres of land. He later built a home for his parents and, four years after that, constructed a store beside his parents' house.

In 1942, also at the age of 16, Alfred joined the Merchant Marines and the United States Coast Guard during wartime, with his parents' consent due to his young age. He proudly served for 23 years. His service took him all over the world. He spoke six languages and was certified in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese.

While serving in the Merchant Marines, Alfred learned many skilled trades. He became a licensed barber—like many members of his family—and learned construction, plumbing, electrical work, and welding.

During his years at sea, Alfred became the father of six children: Gloria, Dorthy, Lorraine, Carolyn, and Solomon. He later gained full custody of his children and ensured they were lovingly cared for, often relying on trusted family members—whom he always paid generously—to help raise them. He faithfully sent money home to support his parents, children, and any family member in need, firmly believing in caring for and providing for those he loved.

After retiring from the Merchant Marines, Alfred pursued new ambitions and went to work at NASA, eager to prove himself and continue learning. With the help of his nephew, Basil Rivera Jr., he was hired and quickly earned great trust. He was entrusted with guarding astronauts before and after missions and later worked as a welder on rocket ships.

Welding was Alfred's greatest professional skill. He was known as a first-class welder and entrepreneur. In the evenings, he attended Houston Community College, studying automotive mechanics, and proudly graduated in 1977.

Later in life, Alfred met Mary, who had three young children—Cindy, Joe, and Don—whom he raised as his own. Joe and Don were still in diapers and knew Alfred as their father. Along with Alfred's other children, they formed a blended family of nine. Alfred and Mary later welcomed one daughter together, Lillie Lopez. Together, they also raised many children, including granddaughter Valerie Estrada and great-grandchildren Gabriana and Gabriel Flores.

Alfred worked for Brown & Root for 16 years and retired on May 31, 1991.

Alfred D. Lopez lived a long, full, and purposeful life defined by hard work, devotion to family, service to others, and unwavering generosity. His legacy lives on through the many generations he raised, guided, and loved, and through the countless lives he touched.