Francisco René Cortez

Francisco “Frank” Rene Cortez was given life October 26, 1935 and was taken away December 19, 2022. He leaves behind his wife of forty-some years, Olga N. Cortez and eleven of twelve children he either sired or adopted: Janet Marie Straight, Nelda Sue Foshee, Cristobal “Cris” Rene Cortez, Frank Rene Cortez, Daniel Kalani Cortez (Deceased), Maria G. Zumaya, Anthony B. Cortez, Jessica Cortez, Arnold B. Cortez, Sally Martinez, Veronica N. Frank, Adriana B. Cortez.

He served in the Marine Corps from 1952 to 1972. He distinguished himself in South Vietnam; He was awarded two Bronze Star Medals for Valor, three Purple Heart Medals for wounds, and the Combat Action Ribbon amongst other medals. Of all the recognition he received, he was proudest of a gold Ball-Point pen he received from President Johnson when he was enroute for his third tour of duty to Vietnam. Upon his retirement from the Marine Corps, he became a landscaper and obtained a college degree in Landscaping Technology with a minor in Landscape Design. He was a member of every service organization in America.

He was known to say “Of all the things and all the people I hate leaving behind it is my beautiful wife, Olga. She had been his faithful companion all these years. She has always sweetened my day with a morning kiss."

A visitation for Francisco will be held Sunday, January 1, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749. A funeral service will occur Monday, January 2, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749. A graveside service will occur Monday, January 2, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749. A reception will occur Monday, January 2, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749.