Richard Cortez

of 72.

Richard is survived by his mother, Dora Cortez, his four daughters, Christine Matta, Angela Ingle, Valerie

Cortez and Sabrina Cortez, his son-in-law, Jeffrey Matta, grand-children, Aimee Matta and Jeffrey Matta

Jr., great-granddaughter, Kamryn Sissel all of Odessa. His sisters, Connie Delgado, Yolanda Herrera, Lydia Cortez, Rosie Silva, Elvia Munoz, Frances Hernandez, Brenda Cortez and Lisa Cortez and one brother, Martin Cortez, Jr.

Richard is survived by many nieces, nephews and extended family.

He is preceded in death by his father, Martin Cortez, sisters; Hope Cortez, Sylvia Bustos, Paula

Mackowiak, and Hortencia Mancha.

Richard was born June 16, 1948 in Elmendorf, Texas He was a proud Marine that served in Vietnam. He

was wounded and received a Purple Heart. Richard attended Arizona State University and played

football. Coming back to Odessa, he earned a bachelor’s degree at The University of Texas of the

Permian Basin and worked several years as an engineer at Texas Instruments. Richard loved collecting

coins and stamps and various other collectibles. Richard loved his family and was generous to all he

encountered. He was honored to be chosen to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for

their country through the Texas Honor Flight Program. He believed highly in education and hard work

and encouraged his children to pursue their dreams. Richard touched many lives and will be dearly

missed.

Funeral Pallbearers: Jeff Matta, Sr., Jeff Matta Jr., Juan Delgado III, Casey Mancha, Eric Mancha, Andy

Carrasco, Thomas Carrasco and Daniel Bustos.

The family would like to thank his daily caregivers for their dedication.

Visitation will be held at Odessa Funeral Home, 1700 N. Jackson on September 16, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. with the Rosary to begin at 7 p.m. Funeral services to be held Thursday, September 17, 2020 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Odessa at 10 a.m. followed by interment at the Peaceful Garden section of the Ector County Cemetary.

Mask and social distancing will be required as to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Disabled American Veterans.