A celebration of life will be held from 4 to 6 pm on Friday, October 30, at Terpening & Son Mortuary for Jakob Matthew Lopez of Artesia, New Mexico.

Mr. Lopez, 32, died on October 23, 2026 in Carlsbad, New Mexico.Jakob was born on November 9, 1993 in Carlsbad; the son of Edward Ornelas and Sonya Valenzuela.

To know Jakob was to know his humor, his one-of-a-kind personality, and his love for a good time. He enjoyed being on the golf course, cooking for those he loved, watching his son play baseball, and sharing a cold beer with friends and family, usually with country music playing in the background.

Jakob was fiercely protective of his siblings and those closest to him. He wasn't always one to put his feelings into words, but his love showed in the way he looked out for his family. Through the good times and the hard times, you knew Jakob was someone who would always have your back.

Jakob also carried a deep love for our father, Edward, who passed before him. He often spoke of our dad, sharing memories and keeping a part of him alive through those conversations. While losing Jakob has left a heartache that words can't describe, we find comfort in knowing he is reunited in heaven with our dad and our beloved brother, Jordan. Imagining the three of them together again brings us a little peace during such a difficult time.

He is preceded in death by his father Edward Ornelas, a step-brother Jordan Ornelas, and grandfather Joe Ornelas.

Survivors include his mother Sonya Valenzuela; children Jace, Paul, Elena, and Ava Lopez; sisters Estefana Catano and husband Eliseo, Janessa Lopez and husband Michael, Jada Ornelas, and Stevie Morino and husband Ives; a step-brother Aaron Ornelas; grandparents Oscar and Barbara Valenzuela and Ida Ornelas; and also by numerous nieces and nephews.