San Benito, Texas- Carlos M. "Chale the Champ" Lopez, 91, entered into Eternal Rest on Thursday, December 22, 2011 at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, Texas. Carlos was born to Santiago and Adela Lopez on April 13, 1920 in San Benito, Texas. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree, the Catholic War Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign War, and the American Legion. He was also a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army. Apart from his many accomplishments, Dad was one of the greatest fathers anyone could ever have. He was also known as the "Champ" because of his exceptional ability to play pool (Billiards) and his cooking skills. There was a saying in San Benito: "If you didn't know Lopez Place and Chale Lopez, then you didn't know San Benito." He also made some great botanas. Dad was one of a kind. When God made him, He broke the mold. What more could you say about him we would not have enough space and time to put in writing. He was an extraordinary person, known and loved by countless friends. We'll miss you Dad, but you will always be in our hearts. He is preceded in death by his parents, Santiago and Adela Lopez; his son, Paul Lopez; and his brother, Enrique Lopez. Left to cherish his memory are: his children: Consuelo L. Saccar, Carlos (Veronica) Lopez Jr., Markos (Marcia) Lopez, Henry (Dora) Lopez, Elizabeth (Bruce) Debonis, Sedelia (Mitchell) Maday, Victor John (Veronica) Lopez, Santiago "Jimmy" Lopez, and Fredrick Lopez; his sisters: Refugia "Cuca" Garcia, Enedina Palma, Enriqueta L. Ramos, and Ninfa Ramos. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 26, 2011 from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito; a holy rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm, with honor guards posted under the auspices of the 1920 4th Degree Knights of Columbus of San Benito. Mass of Resurrection will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 10:00 am at St. Benedict Catholic Church in San Benito. Committal service will follow at Mont Meta Memorial Park in San Benito with full military honors to be conducted by the American Legion Post 205 of Harlingen, Texas. Serving as pallbearers are Carlos Lopez Jr., Markos Lopez, Henry Lopez, Victor John Lopez, Santiago "Jimmy" Lopez, and Fredrick Lopez. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Manuel Trevino, Raul Perez, Ralph De La Garza, Eliseo "Cheto" Villarreal, Kenneth "Kenny Yaeger, Juan "Jam" Martinez, Pedro "Pete" Galvan, and Leo Rodriguez. Words of Comfort can be sent to the family of Carlos M. "Chale the Champ" Lopez at www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.