Robert Reyes Lopez, a former resident of Globe – died on Feb 13, 2020 in Mesa, Arizona. Robert was born in 1923, and raised in Globe, Arizona across from Noftsger Hill School. As a kid, he spent a lot of time with his Grandma Gregoria Reyes on Beruatti Street.
Robert was a World War II Veteran and very proud of his military service. He was inducted into the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1943 and found himself in Pocatello, Idaho guarding planes. After requesting a transfer to the U.S. Army Infantry, he was sent to boot camp for brutal combat training. After arriving in France, Company C was picked up by George Patton’s 3rd Army. During World War II’s Rhineland Central Europe Campaign, he served with the 275th Infantry Division. He fought with Patton’s 3rd Army throughout Europe, at the Battle of the Bulge, crossed the Rhine River, among many other battles. In 2014, Robert, accompanied by daughter Rebecca, went on an Honor Flight to Washington DC and visited the World War II Memorial, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington Cemetery, among other sights. In his final years, he prayed that God would forgive him for taking lives while fighting for our freedom.
When Robert lived in Globe, he managed numerous baseball teams to championships. Some of the players he coached are now grandparents themselves. He was a spiritual man, encouraged all his grandkids to go to church, rounding them up every Sunday, in Globe, Miami and Claypool, and transporting them. He also ran for a local office and nearly beat the 20 year incumbent. He inspired everyone, young and old, was well liked, and will be remembered with fond memories.
Robert was employed by Inspiration Copper Company for 36 years. He started as a laborer and after years of discrimination, was finally given an opportunity to advance to a Backhoe Operator with the help from the Steelworker’s Union. He was self- trained and for his last 10 years of employment, became an expert on that Backhoe. He retired from Inspiration Copper Company in 1986, but still needed to keep busy. For the next 30 years, he worked part-time jobs, jogged almost daily, volunteered in school classrooms, coached baseball, did some traveling and mostly spent time with family.
Family present at his side when he left us to be with his Lord included, daughters, Rebecca Lopez, Tina Felix (Erik); grandchildren Manuel Amador, Stephanie Gonzales (Vincent); and great-grandson Anthony Saiz (Sandra). Granddaughter Lamonica Button joined the family after arriving from California.
He is survived by 5 children, 17 grandchildren, and a host of beloved family members. Robert was preceded in death by parents, Teodulo and Tona, Genevieve Lopez (former wife), among other members of his family.
A Military Honor Graveside Service was held on Friday, February 21, 2020 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix AZ 85024.
He was our loving and precious Dad, Grandpa, Uncle, Brother, and we will miss him forever.
“Now in God’s Service”
