SAN ANGELO, Texas — A former Goodfellow Air Force Base deputy commander and Central High School JROTC commander is being remembered for his love of God and country and as a role model to his Central students.
Retired U.S Air Force Lt. Col. Raul Francisco Lopez died Aug. 2, 2024, after a battle with cancer.
Once his online obituary was published, tributes to a mentor and leader began.
Here are excerpts from Lopez's memorial guestbook:
"Col Lopez was one of the most influential people in my life."
"Thank you for encouraging many of us to join the military and serve as distinguished officers and SNCOs."
"The good that Col. Lopez did for San Angelo teenagers through JrROTC might be unmatched anywhere in this nation..."
"I will miss how he was always there to listen and cheer one up when needing it. "
"Raul was a great gentleman and role model."
"He made me want to do better and be better. With him and the other instructors behind me I could do anything."
"I am deeply saddened by the loss of such a wonderful teacher who inspired and impacted countless lives."
"I will always remember Colonel Raul Lopez as a father figure, mentor, and later a friend."
"A devout Christian, husband,father,grandfather, Patriot, warrior, friend for over 30 years...I was blessed to have served with him in the military and in the community."
"You were always kind and calm when us students needed a gentle reminder."
"You saw something in me that I couldn't see in myself, thank you for making the impact that you did and for pushing me to be person I am today. Thank you for mentoring me to be the officer I am today."
"Col Lopez with his quiet and kind demeanor that just made you want to do the right thing is something I will never forget."
"I’ll never forget the memories of JROTC.. I was blessed to be trained by you, mentored, and always showing us how to respect and care for one another the moments of PT the competitions the talks we had."
"He was always giving me guidance and the best advice.. He helped me realize my potential in life. He always told me " Never give up !" Always be true to yourself ."
"...he was kind, gentle and fair. Never judge or criticized, instead he encouraged and taught all of us."
"He was so kind, patient and Believed in you with his whole heart!"
In all, Lopez served in the Air Force for 20 years, with his final assignment at Goodfellow Air Force Base, retiring in 1993. He spent two decades at San Angelo Central High School "to create and develop its Reserve Officers’ Training Corps," according to his obituary. "Over the next two decades, Raul, with the help of an excellent and committed staff of other Air Force veterans, provided thousands of students with encouragement and the skills necessary to make themselves the best that they could be."
His wife, Debbie, also served the San Angelo ISD as a beloved educator, retiring in 2020.
A visitation for Lopez will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, at Harper Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at First Baptist Church.
