Richard Todd Lopez

Richard Todd Lopez died on March 27, 2026, after an eight-year battle with Mantel Cell Lymphoma. Rich faced his illness with incredible strength, courage, and grace, and despite three relapses, he retained faith that he could recover again. Unfortunately, that was not to be, and he died at home surrounded by loved ones.

Rich was born on September 20, 1969, on the side of the road in a yellow VW bug before his parents could get to the hospital at Ft. Huachuca, AZ. Born into a military family, Rich spent his early years in Arizona, Hawaii, Massachusetts and his family’s hometown of Truth or Consequences.

After graduating high school Rich enlisted in the US Navy and served honorably as a Navy Hospital Corpsman where he received the National Defense Service Medal. After leaving the Navy he returned to Truth or Consequences, NM.

Rich always had a love of sports be it football, basketball, volleyball, soccer or golf. After taking some college courses, Rich became a jack of all trades, working in various positions until he landed his dream job on the NMSU Golf Course working as a ground’s keeper and maintenance man. When not working on the course he was hitting golf balls, fishing, camping, helping his family and friends, or listening to heavy metal.

Rich is survived by the love of his life Wendy Meerscheidt Cole and her daughter Madalynn Cole. He is also survived by his brothers Michael and Christopher Lopez, his sisters Tina Miner, Aimee Lopez Debeltz and Melissa Putman, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins, all of whom shall carry his memory forward with love. Rich is preceded in death by his mother Guadalupe Lopez Valenzuela and his father Ernesto Lopez.

The world was a better place with Rich having been a part of it. His smile may be gone but his light will shine forever.

Services will be held at Getz Funeral Home on April 17, 2026, at 2pm followed by a reception to celebrate Rich’s life. The family encourages everyone to wear a concert or skull t-shirt.

For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed at https://www.getzfuneralhome.com, follow the link for Live Stream top right on the web page.