ERNESTO “ERNIE” LOPEZ
March 1, 1943 – October 16, 2021
Ernie was born on March 1, 1943, in Rangerville, Texas. He moved to California in the 1960s and found work in the grape fields of Kern County. Ernie worked various jobs until he started his own business, naming it Ernie's Sewer and Drain which he operated for over 25 years. Ernie had a great sense of humor, as his company motto was “We repair what your sweetheart tried to fix.” He was a proud Dallas Cowboys fan and was equally proud of being from Texas and being a lifetime member of the Alano Club. Ernie enjoyed playing casino slots and lottery scratchers.
Ernie passed in the comfort of his home with his loving wife by his side. Ernie was preceded in death by his father Jose Lopez, son Michael Lopez, mother Concepcion “Concha” Arriaga, grandsons Michael and Sean, brother Roberto Lopez, sister Maria Del Socorro Garza, nephew Edward Garza, son in law Jason Rickett, and niece Sylvia Morales.
Ernie is survived by his wife Kathy Mendez De Lopez, children Mario, Connie, Linda, Brenda Lee Lopez, Belinda Lopez Rickett, and Melinda Lopez, nieces, and nephews Irma Rose Cooper (Kevin Cooper), George Garza (Deborah Garza), Connie Cortez (Maximino Cortez), Sara Garza Nuno, Salvador Garza Jr (Gena Garza), Joemanuel Garza, and Cynthia Garza; grandchildren Kennder Lopez, Gavin Huntington, Michael Wells, Josephine Wells, Leala Singleton, and Makayla Stevens.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Chaplain Ed Garza, hospice volunteer Angelica Orosco, Traditions Hospice, Nurse Vinny, Nurse Terry, Christina Laurels and Sally for providing comfort and improving Ernie's quality of life in his final days. Ernie will be truly missed by his family, friends, and community.
A viewing will be held on November 3, 2021, at Basham Funeral Home on Niles Street (5pm-8pm). Services will also be at Basham on November 4, 2021, at 10am. Ernie will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Bakersfield following the service. A memorial will be held at The Alano Club on a later date to be determined.