Calistro Lopez Jr.

Calistro “Jack” Lopez Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a vibrant pillar of his community, went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 31, 2026 in Lubbock, Texas. Born on September 11, 1944 in Rotan, Texas. Jack’s life was a testament to kindness, dedication, and a joyful spirit that touched all who knew him.

As a young man, Jack attended Southwestern College of Meat Cutters in Oklahoma. He worked for many supermarkets in Lubbock as a meat cutter for many years until he opened his first restaurant in 1989. For over three decades, Jack poured his heart into his passion and livelihood—restaurant management, as the proud owner of El Gallito. Many people loved his Mexican food. He cultivated not only a thriving business but also a welcoming space where friendships blossomed and memories were made. His restaurant was more than just a place to eat, it was a testament to his unyielding work ethic and his deep-rooted desire to create a home away from home for others.

Jack’s personality was as rich and inviting as the meals he served. Known for his kindness and genuine warmth, he had a remarkable talent for making people feel at ease the moment they entered his presence. His great sense of humor lit up rooms and hearts alike, transforming ordinary days into moments of laughter and connection. A lover of life’s simple pleasures, Jack found great joy in fishing and sports—with baseball reigning supreme overall. From childhood to his adult life, he was an avid Yankees baseball fan. His favorite player being Mickey Mantle. Music and dancing enlivened his soul, while classic westerns and timeless films were cherished pastimes that spoke to his sense of nostalgia and love of storytelling.

Yet, above all else, Jack’s proudest accomplishments were his family and his restaurant—the twin pillars of his legacy. He treasured every moment spent with his loved ones, especially during the holidays when gathering together filled him with immense happiness and a profound sense of belonging.

Jack is survived by his devoted wife, Carolina Lopez who he was married to for sixty-three years; his sons, Hector Ray Lopez and Shane Michael Lopez and wife Debbie Lopez ; his siblings-Adon Lopez, Tony Lopez, and Irene Soliz; as well as four grandchildren-Vanessa Lopez, Hailey Lopez, Nathan Hernandez, and Adrienna Olmos; two great-grandchildren Max Clare and Chloey Ava Hernandez and one great-great-grandchild Ximena Chadis Hernandez—a beautiful testament to the lasting impact of his lineage and love. He joins his beloved parents, Calistro Lopez Sr. and Gregoria Lopez, and siblings, Hiram Lopez, Frank Lopez, and Lola Ramirez, who preceded him in death.

Friends, family, and all those touched by Jack’s unwavering spirit are invited to honor his memory at a funeral service held at 1:30 pm on April 9, 2026, at the Combest Family Funeral Home – Lubbock, located at 2210 Broadway St, Lubbock, TX 79401.

As the sun sets on the remarkable life of Calistro “Jack” Lopez, his legacy of kindness, hard work, laughter, and love endures—forever etched in the hearts of those he cherished and who cherished him in return.