David Joseph Lopez Sr. age 81 passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 11th, 2018 after several years of declining health. He leaves his wife of 53 years Patricia Ann Marshall Lopez, his son David Joseph Lopez Jr., his daughter Iris Ann Philbeck, his son Jeffrey Alan Lopez and two grandchildren; Gabriel Benjamin Philbeck and Joseph Alan Philbeck.
Dave was born on November 26th, 1936 in San Francisco, CA. In 1954, after graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. It was while Dave was stationed at Camp Pendleton that he met Patty, who was also serving in the Marine Corps. He served with distinction and honor for 20 years, retiring at the rank of Gunnery Sargent. His bravery during his Vietnam War tour of duty earned him a Silver Star medal.
After retiring from the Marine Corps in 1974, Dave and his family moved to Sapulpa, Oklahoma and began a new life. He worked various positions at Standard Tobacco and Candy Co. (now Standard Distributing), ultimately retiring as general manager in 2009. Dave was well known and respected throughout the industry and took pride in longstanding relationships he had with the employees of Standard, as well as the suppliers and customers he worked with so closely over his 35 years with the company.
Dave was very close to his family and enjoyed his children, grand children and all who knew him. He never met a stranger and was loved for his playful sense of humor. Dave’s outgoing personality and gregarious nature will be sorely missed by family and many, many friends.
Private Graveside service will be held at Green Hill Funeral Home Mausoleum located at 400 East Teel Rd, Sapulpa OK 74067 at 2:00 pm on Friday October 19th followed by a celebration of Dave’s life at the home of Beverly and Jerry Naifeh, 916 S Moccasin Pl, Sapulpa, OK between 4:00 and 6:00 pm.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Smith Funeral Home, 1208 S Main St, Sapulpa, OK.
