Canuto Cortez

Canuto Cortez of McGregor passed away Thursday afternoon, February 18, 2010, at the age of 94. A rosary was recited at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, February 23, 2010, at Cole Funeral Home Chapel, 1113 West Fifth Street, McGregor with Deacon David Morales officiating. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, February 24, 2010, at St. Eugene Catholic Church with Father Hilario Gugjardo as celebrant. Interment followed in Post Oak Cemetery near Oglesby.

Mr. Cortez was born January 20, 1916, in Oglesby, Texas, the son of the late Apolonio and Silberia (Garza) Cortez and attended school in Crawford. During World War II, he enlisted in the United States Army on October 6, 1942. After serving in Germany, he was discharged January 13, 1946 and was decorated with the American Theater Campaign Medal, EAME Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, one Service Stripe and the Victory Ribbon. He was a member of the Bryant Oliver Post of the American Legion in McGregor. On August 9, 1946, he married Fannie Blanco in Marlin, Texas. After sixty-two years of marriage, she preceded him in death June 20, 2009.

Much of his life was spent as a truck driver, being employed by Nelson Hatchery in McGregor and later retired as a truck driver from McLennan County in 1981. He was a member of St. Eugene Catholic Church and enjoyed the outdoors; gardening, mowing, and raising farm animals.

Also preceding him in death was son, Canuto Cortez, Jr., brothers, San Tiago Cortez, Merced Cortez, George Cortez; sisters, Juanita Colunga, Suzanne Cortez; grandchildren, Jamie Vandiver and Shae Vandiver.

Survivors include two daughters, Anita Flores of McGregor, Gloria Cortez of Dallas; a brother, Milton Cortez and wife Rosa of Waco; two sisters, Herlinda Ochoa of Kerrville, Ramona Manriquez of Temple; three grandchildren, Bobby and wife Leigh Ann Flores, Toni Flores, Jeremy Flores and a great grandson, Pete Logan.

Casketbearers were George Cortez, Jr., Milton Cortez, Jr., Bobby Flores, Jeremy Flores, Pete Logan Flores and Willie Leos.