Carlos Cortez Jr.

Carlos Cortez Jr. was born near Kenedy, Texas on August 18, 1944. He passed away peacefully on September 9th, 2026, at the age of 82. Carlos lived most of his life in Kenedy, until June 2022 when Carlos and Maria moved to Thrall, Texas to be closer to their children. In January 2026, they moved to Round Rock, Texas, where he lived until his day of passing.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Maria Elena Cortez, son Roland Cortez, his grandson Skyler and wife Kelsey Cortez and great-grandson Rowen Cortez, granddaughter Marisa Cortez and partner Brendan Payne and great-grandson Indigo Cortez, and grandson Sgt. Ethan Cortez; son Ruben and his wife Lori Cortez, grandsons Mason Cortez, Chase Cortez, and granddaughter Madelynne Cortez; and daughter Rachael and husband Matt Fischer, grandson Justin and wife Amanda Brosig and great-granddaughter Sydney Brosig, grandson Matthew and wife Kasidy Brosig, and granddaughter Gabriela Eckols. He is also survived by his sister, Gloria Cortez.

He is preceded in death by parents Carlos Cortez Sr. and Estella Cortez, brothers Alfredo Cortez, Vic Cortez, Oscar Cortez, sister Maria Cortez, granddaughter Esmee Lynne Cortez, and son-in-law Dane Eckols.

Carlos loved his wife Maria Elena dearly from the day they first met in 1963 to the day he passed. They married in 1964 and had over 62 years together. He was a devoted family man who loved his family deeply and was a best friend to many of his grandchildren. He was proud to support his grandchildren in person at every one of their activities and events, driving hours in every direction across Texas to be there. However long the road, showing up for his family was never a question. It was simply what he did.

Carlos loved to drive and was a truck driver early in life. He later left that work and joined his father and brother Alfredo in the business of moving and leveling houses in south Texas. He never lost his love for driving and was known to drive hours for a cheeseburger in Victoria, a chicken pot pie in Comfort, his favorite smoked sausage in Luling, or BBQ from Slovacek's in West.

In 2018, at the age of 74, Carlos heard the simple gospel story of Jesus preached by a homeless ministry and professed his love for this humble way. His wife Maria Elena made her choice a few years earlier, and the two had eight wonderful years together serving the Lord and having fellowship with this new spiritual family they became a part of late in life.

A Funeral Service will be held at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Ih-35, Pflugerville, TX 78660, US, on September 19, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 2:50 pm, followed by a Committal Service at the same location on September 19, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service following the funeral service, and afterwards to visit and share memories at the home of Ruben and Lori Cortez.