Burt Lopez was a true American hero who went to be with our heavenly Father on Saturday, April 25, 2009 while in the line of duty as a Deputy for Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, Florida. He was born July 6, 1964 in St. Louis, Missouri. He proudly served his country in the USAF from 1983-2003, retiring as a Master Sergeant. He joined the Okaloosa Sheriff Office shortly after his retirement. Burt fulfilled his life-long dream of becoming a police officer. He truly loved serving the community. Burt was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. When not working, Burt loved spending time with his family, especially his baby girl Madilyn. Burt was known for being a big family man with a great sense of humor. He will be dearly missed by all.

Burt is survived by his mother, Virginia; wife, Michelle (Cherrey), Crestview, Florida; sons, Jesse and Erik; daughter, Madilyn; step-children, Jami and Jake Castro and grandson, Caleb "Bob." He is also survived by: his sister, Deborah Edington; brother, Jesse (Susan) Lopez; mother and father in-law, Darrell and Carol Cherrey of Monroe, Wisconsin; five sisters-in-law, Janice Bennett, Glenda Cherrey, Sue (Mark) Schwartz, Cyndi (Tim) Dearth, and Kaye (Brad) Williams. Burt also leaves behind numerous aunts and uncles along with 17 nieces and nephews. Burt was preceded in death by his father, Jesse Lopez and his brother-in-law, Rick Edington.

Services were held April 30 in Crestview. Burial was in Heritage Gardens Cemetery in Niceville.