Ernest Lopez

On Thursday, August 20, 2020, our gentle giant, Ernest "Big Ern" Lopez, 49, passed away after battling COVID-19. Ernie was born in Bakersfield, California, on May 11, 1971, to Martha and Juan Lopez. He shared a birthday with his mother, whom he loved dearly. He recalled his childhood, filled with long days spent playing with his cousins and other neighborhood children, as having been among the happiest times of his life. He married the love of his life, Patricia, who always referred to him as her "handsome," in October 2011. Ernie worked as a welder and mentored many young men in the profession. He was hardworking, always willing to help others, and emanated kindness. He enjoyed restoring lowriders as a hobby and had been working on a 1969 Chevy Caprice. His friends and family have come together to finish this last project and will drive the car in a cruise dedicated to him. Ernie's children were his pride and joy, and it was in his love for them where his depth of feeling was most evident. In addition to his laughable dad humor and giving big hugs, he always supported his children's decisions and was often moved to tears when they could all come together as a family. Our hearts are broken, and he will be forever missed.

Ernie is preceded in death by his father, Juan Lopez, and his grandparents, Rafael and Dolores Orozco. He is survived by his wife Patricia Lopez; his mother, Martha DePina; his children, Brittany Lopez, Marissa Lopez, Alexis Lopez, Austin. His brother Tony Lopez and his wife Anita; his brother, Andy Lopez; his sister, Sarah Kirschner; his grandchildren, Melody, Sebastian, and Aviana. Stepchildren Angel, Yazmin, and Anthony.

Visitation will be at Basham Funeral Care at 3312 Niles on Friday, September 4th, from 5-8pm Wake services will be at 6pm followed by a cruise.

Services are Saturday, September 5th, at 10am followed by a graveside service at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 9101 Kern Canyon Rd. Masks are required.



COME WITH ME

The Lord saw you were tired

And a cure was not to be,

So He put his arms around you

And whispered, "Come with Me."

With tearful eyes, we watched you suffer

And saw you fade away.

Although we loved you dearly,

We could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating,

A beautiful smile at rest,

God broke our hearts to prove

He only takes the best.

It's lonesome here without you

We miss you so each day,

Our lives aren't the same

Since you went away.

When days are sad and lonely,

And everything goes wrong,

We seem to hear you whisper,

"Cheer up and carry on."

Each time we see your picture,

You seem to smile and say,

"Don't cry, I'm in God's keeping,

We'll meet again someday."