Jessie E. Cortez

Jessie E. Cortez, 87, of Ballinger, passed away Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at Abilene Regional Medical Center.

He was born June 22, 1923 in Winters to Felix, Sr. and Erlinda Esquivel Cortez. Jessie
and Tommie Ruiz were married October 25, 1943 in Ballinger. He was a former production worker for Dry Manufacturing and a member of St. Mary Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Manuel Cortez and Joe E. Cortez, and two sisters, Mary Ramos and Emilee Bazon

Jessie is survived by his wife, Tommie Ruiz Cortez of Ballinger daughter, Myra Cortez of Austin, and son, Ector R. Cortez of Ballinger. Also surviving are half-brothers, Felix Cortez of Rowena, Rudy Cortez, Oscar Cortez, and Bobby Cortez all of San Angelo; half-sisters, Hermalinda Garcia of Ballinger, Otilla Reyes, Bertha Archer, and Monte Martinez all of San Angelo; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 18 at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, November 19 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Ballinger with Rev. Hugh Wade officiating. Burial will follow in Ballinger Evergreen Cemetery.