Paul D. Lopez, 60, passed away at home on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Paul was born on August 13, 1965 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He was a devoted partner in life to Elizabeth Smith Medina and a loving father to Josiah Lopez [Ashley], Jaron Lopez [Brittany] and Anysia Lopez Wollman [David].

Paul, the youngest of five children, was born to Ricardo Lopez & Herlinda Duran Lopez.  He was raised and spent his life in his hometown of Las Cruces where he left an everlasting impression on anyone who knew him.  Faith bound, he was generous to a fault, known for his willingness to help anyone in need and to give everything he had to help family, a friend and especially a stranger.

Paul fought a brave and long battle with cancer.  He was courageous, refusing to let the diagnosis define his life.  He remained positive and strong through it all, unwavering in his faith, inspiring everyone who knew him with his resilient spirit and finding peace after his long journey. From the moment of his diagnosis, the doctors didn't give him more than a few years, but that never mattered to Paul. He showed through and through how much of a fighter and how truly strong and resilient he was, even traveling and going on camping trips and continuing to make everlasting memories.

Dad was hard-working and dedicated. He spent over 40 years working as a Construction Concrete Foreman, where he was known for his meticulous attention to detail.  Paul took immense pride in his work, viewing every project as a reflection of his own high standards. He showed the core lessons he learned from his father from a young age and grew into his own path of knowledge and dependability.

Despite his many responsibilities, he always made time for his family and his passions.  He found peace and inspiration in the mountains and nature and spoke fondly of his unforgettable visits to Alaska and Yellowstone. He cherished moments by the fire with family and friends above all material possessions. In Paul's own words: "Be kind to others, any material items you can't take with you. Obey the first two commandments: You shall have no other gods before me. Love your neighbor as thyself."

Though Dad may not have liked being the center of attention, he deserves to have his long years of fatherly love honored. He was a man of integrity, kindness and generosity, and he left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Dad's love for hunting, camping & fishing was something he shared with his children, grandchildren, partner in life, brothers and sisters, nephews, and friends which were family to him, leaving us memories that will never fade.

He is survived by his long-time partner in life, Liz, his children Josiah, Jaron, Anysia and grandchildren Audrey, Wylee, Addilyn, Robert Paul, Delilah, Ava & Mia, parents Ricardo & Herlinda Lopez, siblings Diane, Kathy and Kenny, as well as many friends and extended family members who will miss him dearly.

We find comfort in knowing that Dad's legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the strength he embedded in us, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever. Paul always put everyone else first and for that we are eternally grateful.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Camino Nuevo Church, 3300 W. Picacho.  Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow; please reach out to the family for details.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com