Taft – Cecillio L. Lopez passed away July 1, 2024.  He was 76.

Cecillio was born in Pleasanton, Texas to Antonia (Lopez) and Joaquin Lopez on February 7, 1948. Cecillio spent his younger years in Pleasanton before moving to Taft with the love of his life. It was Taft that became home where he later retired as a Concrete Finisher.

Cecillio was a Vietnam Veteran who served his country in the United States Marines Corps. He loved his family, God and country. Cecillio proudly spoke of the time he served in the military. The Secretary of the Navy presented the NAVY COMMENDATION MEDAL to PRIVATE FIRST CLASS CECILLIO LOPEZ UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS for service as set forth the following CITATION: “For heroic achievement while serving as a Machine Gunner with Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 4 October 1968, Company G launched a determined assault against a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying a fortified position in the Demilitarized Zone. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him, Private First Class Lopez boldly moved his team to the point of heaviest contact. As the Marines continued the attack, he repeatedly exposed himself to intense enemy fire as he fearlessly moved about the fire-swept terrain, emplacing his machine gun in advantageous positions from which to fire upon the hostile soldiers. When his weapon malfunctioned on two occasions, he steadfastly remained in the hazardous area as he repaired the machine gun and, skillfully firing in the apertures of the enemy bunkers, enabled his comrades to reach the hostile emplacements sand destroy them. By his courage, aggressive leadership and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Private First Class Lopez contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.” Private First Class Lopez is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.

Cecillio loved buying scratch off tickets at Pittman’s. He played lotto every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Cecillio’s favorite gambling place was Kickapoo. He was a loving father, brother, uncle and friend who will be missed by all who knew him and will always be remembered as such.

Preceding in death are his beloved wife: Minerva Lopez; parents: Joaquin and Antonia Lopez; siblings: Ramon Lopez, Manuel Lopez, Sista Lopez, Enedina Romero, Esteban Lopez, Hulalia Vega, Sulema Talamantez and Senaida Perez.

Survivors include his son: Joaquin Lopez from Taft, Texas; daughter: Millee Martinez (Danny) from Taft, Texas; sisters: Olivia Garcia and Sista Lopez, both from Pleasanton, Texas; and grand fur pups: Maya Lynn and Blue Sky. 

Visitation will begin Wednesday, July 10, 2024, 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel, Sinton. The Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be the same evening, 7:00 PM at the funeral home. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, July 11, 2024, 9:30 AM at the Holy Family Church, Taft. A Graveside Service will be follow, 11:00 AM, Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery, Corpus Christi, Texas.

Pallbearers will be Reynaldo Talamantez, Jr., Alex Lopez, Jr., Arturo Romero, Clemente Garcia, Angel Garcia, Henry Talamantez, Peter Arroyo and Robaldo Riojas.

Guestbook available online at www.resthavenfunerals.com

Arrangements and care entrusted to Resthaven Funeral Home, Sinton.