Joseph Calixto Lopez

Joseph Calixto Lopez, a man defined by his unwavering faith, profound patriotism, and boundless love for his family, passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early morning of September 23, 2026. Born on October 14, 1940, in Pinar Del Rio, Cuba, Joseph’s life was a testament to resilience, gratitude, and joy. At the age of 17, Joseph fled Cuba following the takeover of communism, finding refuge and opportunity in the United States. Deeply grateful to his new country, he joined the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War. At 33, Joseph met his beautiful wife, Joan Valenzano Lopez. They fell deeply in love, married, and quickly built a bustling, happy family with five children. Over the years, their journey took them from Florida—where Joseph owned a beauty school and cherished living near his extended family—to Utah, Las Vegas, and finally to Missouri, where he spent his last 27 years. Joseph’s love for his family was surpassed only by his devotion to God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. He was a man of extraordinary hospitality, readily opening his home to missionaries and anyone in need of a place to feel loved. He nourished his guests both physically and spiritually, often serving up the incredible Cuban dishes he learned to cook from his beloved mother. A joyful spirit, Joseph loved telling stories, sharing jokes, and singing the “Indian Love Song.” His life’s philosophy was perfectly captured in his motto: “Unidos en el amor” (United in love). He did not just say these words; he lived them every day.

Joseph is now reunited in Heaven with his father, Jose Pedro Alejandrino Lopez; his mother, Lutgarda Gonzalez Rodriguez (lovingly known as Mima); his oldest brother Renee and his older sister, Elsa Lopez.

He leaves behind a vibrant legacy in his loving wife, Joan; his children, Joseph Daniel (Julie) Lopez, Rachel (Jared) Banks, David (Kimberly) Lopez, Michael (Stephanie) Lopez, and John (Amanda) Lopez; his 25 grandchildren, Joseph Ammon (Johanna), Alayna (Christian), Evelyn, Noah, Isabelle, Jared Christopher, Rebekah (Danny), James, Jacob, Joshua, Tyler, Blake, Maceo, Azra, Odin, Zion, Gunner, Enoch, Hazel, Ether, Shanna, and Sarah; and his five great-grandchildren, Mira, Aria, Esther, Eleanor, and Eloise and the next Joseph on the way. He is also survived by his two sisters Maria Lopez, Marta Labrador, a brother-in-law Bruce (Leanore) Valenzano, and their families.

A Celebration of Life for Joseph will be 10:30am, Friday, October 2, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1416 SW 19th St, Blue Springs, Missouri 64015. A private family burial will take place in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville, Missouri.