On April 27, 1953, Michael Lopez was born in Trenton, N.J., to Lea and Ismael Lopez. Mike died March 6, 2006, at 9:30 a.m., one month after receiving the diagnosis of a "stinkin' tumor" in his brain. After growing up in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, he came to Springfield, Mo., to attend Evangel College in 1971. While at Evangel, Mike was known for playing the guitar and for his big Afro hair! Before graduation in 1975, Mike started working at KYTV in Springfield, Mo. On June 28, 1980, Mike married Donna Vigil.... "Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction." (Antoine de SaintExupery). To this union three remarkable kids were born, Ginger, Michael Jr. and Rosa Lea Lopez. Mike completely loved his wife, and set an example for other couples, helping them to grow together as he taught through the Homebuilder's Couples Class at Hope Community Church, and a project for Ozark Marriage Matters, and presented for the Assemblies of God Marriage Encounter. His lifelong love of music and writing delighted his family and friends who enjoyed songs played on his guitar, and each quick and witty remark. Mike was a great example of what it meant to be a godly man, godly husband, godly father and friend. He gave all he had in all of these talents and only offered the best, nothing less would satisfy him. Mike continued to work at KYTV as Creative Services Supervisor and wrote many great commercials and presentations for this community. Mike is survived by his wife, Donna, and their children his brother and sisterin-law, Steven and Avonna Lopez, and their children, Adrienne and Andrew Lopez, of Ozark, Mo. Mike lived a great life and achieved many goals including running in 3K and 5K races. His family and friends wish he would have stayed longer, but his job here was finished so God took him home. Now he plays a golden guitar in Heaven, accompanied by his parents, who were waiting to greet him. Visitation will be from 1 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 10, at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Springfield, Mo. Family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 11, 2006, in Hope Community Church, 2121 South Blackman Rd., Springfield, Mo. Memorials may be made to Lopez Family Memorial Fund, c/o of KY3, 999 W. Sunshine Street, Springfield, MO 65807. Condolences may be expressed at www.walnutlawnfuneralhome.com.