Rivas Manuel Gomez-Lopez

Rivas Manuel Gomez-Lopez passed away peacefully at his home on September 18, 2026, at the age of 56, in the presence of Dianna and Lillian. Born on March 13, 1970, in Tijuana, Baja California, he was united three days later with his family of eight in Fall Brook, where he was raised in a close and loving home alongside his brothers and sisters, Cesareo, Tito, Martha, Jose Fernando, Ishmael, and Ricardo.

Rivas graduated from Fall Brook High School and trained in electrician work, carpentry, and plumbing. He put those skills to work throughout his life and was employed by Rare Earth, Elite Electric, and Main Electric. He was known as a hard worker who was always willing to help those in need, a man who gave generously of his time and effort whenever someone needed a hand.

From a young age, sports and community were an important part of Rivas’s life. Growing up, he enjoyed basketball, football, baseball, and especially time spent at the Boys and Girls Club on weekends and after school. As a young teenager, he served as a basketball coach for the Boys and Girls Club, beginning a lifelong pattern of encouraging young people through sports. He later continued that commitment as a baseball coach for Stillwater Parks and Recreation, a football coach for the Golden Eagles, and a dad softball coach for his daughters Heather and Jeanette.

He also found joy in simple pleasures and in time shared with others. Rivas loved all animals and enjoyed fishing, playing horseshoes, riding four wheelers, and gathering with family. Outgoing, inclusive, easygoing, and blessed with a great sense of humor, he was often described as the light of his family. He made people feel welcome, and he was always ready to be part of family get-togethers and celebrations.

Faith was central to Rivas’s life. He was regarded by those who loved him as a wonderful man and a son of God. He studied the Bible deeply, was well versed in Biblical knowledge, and was always willing to share the story of Jesus with anyone who would listen. His family takes comfort in their belief that he is with his Savior, Jesus Christ.

As an early teen, Rivas learned that the family who raised him wanted to officially adopt him, and he was thrilled to know his last name would change to Rivas from Gomez. In time, two more brothers, Marco Antonio and Ricky, were added to the family. That deep sense of belonging and love shaped the man he became.

Rivas married Jamie in California, and together they had two children, Heather and RJ. Later, the family relocated to Glencoe, Oklahoma. Though that marriage later dissolved, family remained at the center of his life. While working for Elite Electric, he met Dianna Lightfoot. Through their union, he embraced Jeanette, Dalton, Skylin, and Chance, and together he and Dianna welcomed their daughter, Lillian.

He is remembered with love by Dianna Lightfoot; by his children Heather, RJ, Jeanette, Dalton, Skylin, Chance, and Lillian; and by his brothers and sisters Cesareo, Tito, Martha, Jose Fernando, Ishmael, Ricardo, Marco Antonio, and Ricky. He also leaves behind many others who were blessed by his humor, his generosity, his coaching, his faith, and his steady willingness to help.

Rivas faced congestive heart failure over the past several years of his life with grace and dignity. His strength through that trial reflected the courage and faith that marked his life so fully. He will be remembered as a devoted family man, a mentor, a worker with skilled hands, and a man whose heart was open to others. His memory will live on in the many lives he touched and in the love he gave so freely.