Hildebrando Lopez

Hildebrando Lopez
San Isidro- Hildebrando Lopez,82, passed away on June 23,2023. He was born on October 3 rd , 1940, in San Isidro, Texas, the son of Leonor and Dr. Jose E. Lopez. Hildebrando had many nick names which include “Beve” “Bebe” “Brando” “Librando” “Don” “Mr.Lopez”to name a few. This was a most wonderful Life Journey.

Hildebrando was part of a large family that included 10 brothers and sisters: He competed in track with his sister Grace, hunted with Carlos, fished with Omar, enjoyed great food with Esperanza, and shared a lasting friendship with Heliodoro “Tololo” who was there for him everyday of his elderly life. (Siblings who have passed away include: Jose, Noe, Connie, Tarquino, Javier) Hildebrando graduated from San Isidro High School, where he excelled at Football and Track where he won numerous medals. He loved photography and was in the annual staff. Following Graduation, he proudly served in the United States Airforce and worked on KC-135 Stratotanker in Barksdale, Louisiana. It was in Louisiana that he met and married his beautiful wife of 53 years Mary Ruth Bridges. His children “Becky” and “Brandy” were born during this time period. He served for 6 years. After the Air force, Hildebrando worked various jobs including Sun Oil. He moved back to San Isidro and had 2 more children, Lisa and Jerome. During this time, Hildebrando began riding and training horses. This was his love: “riding horses” which included racehorses, polo horses, & roping horses. Both he and his wife Mary shared their love of animals and all types of creatures. They enjoyed a beautiful ranch home built on top of a hill.

Hildebrando and Tololo started toying with the welding of Stainless steel buckles in the 1980s. After he perfected it, he opened “Custom Buckles” where he was self employed and made Stainless Steel Belt Buckles. People from all over the world ordered his custom belt buckles. He participated in Cowboy Day at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, for 2 weeks and the U.S Flag was flown in his honor in the 1990s. He appeared several times on “Con mi Gente’s show with Rick Diaz” by playing his trumpet and showcasing the stainless steel buckles and other work of craftsmenship. He continued his love of photography and took many pictures during community events and pictures of wildlife. THEN… He became obsessed with FISHING ! He had many friends that were his Fishing Buddies. He bought many boats during his life time. His very favorite was his Panga Boat.  He and Mary enjoyed sleeping on
the ocean in the boat and loved looking at the stars at night. His favorite picture was of a huge Garfish he and his friend Wero caught and showed this picture everywhere he went. He was a proud veteran and played Taps on his trumpet during many funerals and celebrations during Veterans day throughout his lifetime. In his elderly years, He continued to keep himself busy with church activities, helping with the food bank, and attending San Isidro Tiger Volleyball and Basketball games. He was fortunate to have the very best Mexican food cookedby Lanes Restaurant every day and he  enjoyed the daily visits with everyone who worked there. His final few months were spent at Alfredo Gonzalez Texas State Veterans home where he delighted in dancing, playing volleyball, joking with staff and being a part of the day to day action as he loved People.

Hildebrando is survived by his children, Donna Rebecca “Becky” Lopez,Hildebrando Lopez, Jr “Brandy”,Dora “Lisa” Garza (Joel) Jerome Lopez (Jozi); six grandchildren, Dustin, Matthew, Derek, Troy, Hailey, Tannah; four great- grandchildren; five siblings, Esperanza, Grace, Tololo (Lucy),Carlos (Delores), and Omar (Patricia); numerous nieces,nephews and friends. Thank you to everyone who participated in this most beautiful Life Journey
with him.

Family will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Legacy Chapels 4610 South Jakcson Road in Edinbug. Interment of his cremated remains will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 14, 2023, at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission with full military honors.

Funeral services are under the direction of Legacy Chapels in Edinburg.