Obituaries: Louie Quesada Lopez

August 24, 1940 – July 23, 2025
Louie Quesada Lopez was born on August 24, 1940, in Merced, California, to Josephine Quesada and Sal Reyes. Louie found his calling early in life as a sought-after barber, treasuring the opportunity to style the hair of both Elvis Presley and the legendary Little Richard, as well as many other celebrities in major hotels and salons in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Australia. Those who knew Louie will remember him as a man who lived life with elegance and joy. He traveled the world, experiencing the culture of many countries. A bon vivant, he was always impeccably dressed and, in drag, he was stylishly beautiful. He was deeply religious and loved to meditate.

Louie passed peacefully in San Francisco, surrounded by those who loved him most, his devoted partner, David McCrady; his loving sister, Rebecca Maravilla; his best friend, Paul Lee; and his niece, Josephine Smallwood. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ramona Gonzalez; and brother, Joe Laurian.

In addition to McCrady, Maravilla, and her husband, John, he is survived by loving siblings Ernie Hernandez and Jerry Pineada (Helen), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will carry his memory in their hearts.

There will be a celebration of life for Louie from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, August 24, at Aunt Charlie's Lounge on 133 Turk Street in San Francisco.