Augustin Lopez

Decorated Air Force Veteran Augustin (Augie) Manrique Lopez was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His passion for his family was evident in his eyes which would light in the company of his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He always had time to reminisce about the Air Force or for a game of peek-a-boo with his grandkids.

An avid sports fan, Augie rooted for the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions with his wife of 50 years, Marilyn (Tholl). He played semi-pro football for the Air Force "Itazuke AB Eagles" while stationed in Japan. Augie coached his children in softball, baseball and football, and attended his grandchildren's games where he cheered enthusiastically, often springing for treats after games.

Born in Topeka, KS on May 29, 1940, he met his wife at a CYO dance when he was 18. He has been with the love of his life, Marilyn, ever since. After graduating from Hayden High School in 1959, Augie enlisted in the Air Force. Augie and Marilyn were married in Biloxi, Mississippi on April 22, 1960 on Keesler Air Force Base. They traveled the world together with the Air Force. Augie served in Mississippi, Germany, Nebraska, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, North Dakota and Kansas.

After retiring from the Air Force as a MSgt in 1982, Augie and Marilyn moved to Derby, Kansas where he finished his BA in Business Administration. Later, they moved to Battle Creek, Michigan where he worked for the Defense Logistics Service Agency for 20 years.

Augie was active in many aspects of the Catholic Church and reached the status of Third Degree in the Knights of Columbus. Augie's memberships included VFW, K of C, OYC, SAC Underground, The Flying Air Command and the 18th SOS Stinger Gunship Squadron.

The couple moved to Oscoda in 2004 and are currently members of the Holy Family Parish of East Tawas.

Augie passed away on December 25, 2010 surrounded by his loving wife and children. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, daughters Catherine (Eric) Schmidt of Augusta, KS; Lisa (Brian) Bowser of Wichita, KS; son Tony (Karen) Lopez of Oscoda; grandchildren Michael, Nathan, Robert, Jacqueline, Christopher, Christine, Augustin, Amanda, Taylor, Sydney, Avery and Maya; great-grandchildren Patricia and Rayelle; brothers Raymond of Topeka, KS and Joseph of San Antonio, TX.

A Rosary Vigil will be held on Friday, January 7 at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church followed by a Memorial Mass at 10:00 a.m.  Inurnment will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery with military honors provided by McConnell Air Force Base.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The American Veterans Association and sent in care of the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.