Art O. Lopez, “Hot Rod Art,” 58, of Alamosa, Colo., came to rest after a long battle with cancer on May 5, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on Feb. 27, 1965, to John J and Rose Lopez in La Jara, Colo. He was the youngest of four children.

He married his devoted wife of 40 years on Sept. 4, 1982. Together, they had six children: Adam, Amber, Zack, Amanda, Brittany, and Sariaha.

Art’s greatest passion was his wife, family, and animals. If Art loved someone, he would lay down his life for them. He could just as easily make someone laugh or cower with equal fervor, and his exceptionally skilled hands and ingenuity made him the first person that friends or family would call with a problem. He will be remembered for his biting humor, strong will, love for dancing, and deep, hearty laugh.

He was an entrepreneur and owned several businesses over the years, but always said his natural calling was running his signage business, AJ Signs & Designs, which he took pride in growing over the past 22 years.

When not working, he enjoyed dirt track racing, visiting the casinos, mechanical work, hunting, camping, fishing, and motorcycle riding, especially when he had his family members alongside him.

Art is survived by his wife Jolene, his children Adam Lopez (Adrianna Sanchez-Lopez), Amber Lopez (Lance Ortiz), Zack Lopez (Amanda Martinez), Amanda (Joe) Duran, Brittany Lopez (Samuel Loera), and Sariaha Lopez; his grandchildren, Dominique and A’maree Lopez, Alex and Chevelle Ortiz, Novalie and Noah Lopez, and Marley Duran; and his siblings Carmen Mora and Lee Lopez.

He was preceded in death by his Parents John J and Rose Lopez and his brother, Paul Lopez.

In honor of Art’s interest in medical innovation and science, he has elected to donate his body to Science Care. In lieu of a viewing, a rosary will be held on Thursday, May 18, at 6 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Alamosa, Colo. A Catholic Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 19, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Alamosa, Colo. A reception will be held at the Knights of Columbus in Alamosa, Colo., following mass.

Flowers may be sent directly to Strohmayer’s Funeral Home. Donations to the family may be sent through Venmo (@jolenelopez4) or Cashapp ($jolenelopez4).