Joseph Elton "Buck" Lopez

A visitation will be held for Joseph Elton “Buck” Lopez, 81 of Abbeville, Louisiana; formerly of Noble, Louisiana. The visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 9891 Texas Highway, Many, Louisiana 71449. Buck was born on November 5, 1941 in Noble, Louisiana, to Tom Lopez and Cora (Paddie) Lopez and passed away on June 4, 2023 in Many, Louisiana.

Starting out with Gracey-Hellums as a roustabout on Rig #4 with Marion Cook as his Toolpusher, Buck had a good solid beginning to a career in the oilfield. In a few months Buck was promoted to a Floorhand position. As a floorhand, Buck looked around to greener grass as an “experienced” hand and after several moves finally settled in with Walker-Huthnance around 1969. While with them Buck was promoted to derrickman. Once again, in 1971, Buck had the desire to be home with his family a little more, so he decided to try pipeline work for a while in order to be home every night. In July 1972, Buck returned to Waler-Huthnance as a derrickman on Rig #21. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to a driller’s position, and it was then that APMC bought Walker-Huthnance.

Buck continued to drill for APMC until 1976 when he was offered; what appeared to be, a better opportunity with Dual Drilling. Only six months went by and in March 1977 Buck returned to APMC as a Toolpusher accomplishing in less than 10 years what few men accomplish, moving from Roustabout to Toolpusher.

As a Toolpusher Buck continued to prove his desire and ability to learn and remain flexible with APMC. He had been a Toolpusher on Rig #21, Ranger I, Gulf Commander, Rig #2, Rig #6, Rig #8 and he was reassigned to one of the newest inland barges, Rig #12.

Throughout his years in the oilfield Buck always remained very safety conscious. This could be seen by the enviable safety record maintained by him personally and by the rigs he managed. He was also partially responsible for Rig #8 achieving its reward for going an entire year without any lost time accidents. Even though Buck was not assigned to Rig #8 when it was recognized many of the crewmembers who achieved this rare, accomplished feat were taught good safety practices by Buck during the two years he was with them on Rig #8. Buck continued his career in the oilfield and retired at age 67.