BRANDON, MS — Jose Joaquin Lopez, 53, a well-known member of the baking industry, passed away May 6.

Lopez graduated from the American Institute of Baking in 1997 and spent nearly 35 years in the baking industry, working his way from the production floor to the executive level. Most recently, he served as VP of technical sales at AB Mauri. Before joining the ingredient company, he worked in technical sales at Lallemand. He was an active member of the American Bakers Association.

Lopez is survived by his wife, Lina Isabel Lopez; two children, Francisco Javier Lopez and Monica Maria Sullivan (Samuel); two grandchildren, Isabel Mae Sullivan and Laura Alice Sullivan; sister, Ana Navarrete (Jose Enrique); half siblings, Benigno Lopez Tigani, Miguel Antonio Lopez, Jose Manuel Lopez, Angel Lopez, Pamela Lopez, Jason Lopez, Michelle Lopez, and his father, Jose Manuel Lopez. He was preceded in death by his mother, Isabel Helena Lopez; daughter, Isabel Christina Lopez and a grandchild, Samuel Cody Sullivan Jr.

Visitation will be held May 9 at St. Paul Catholic Church, Brandon, MS. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to:

• MD Anderson Cancer Center
• Knights of Columbus Council #10216, c/o St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 5971 MS-25, Flowood, MS 39232