Joe Sanchez Cortez, Jr., age 83, born in Kerrville, Texas, passed away peacefully in his sleep Thursday morning, March 23, 2017, at his home in Shiloh, Ill.

Joe was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He grew up in Kerrville and graduated from Tivy High School in 1953.  He worked at Kerrville's old "Blue Bonnet Hotel" before enlisting into the U.S. Army for 2 years.  He left the Army in 1960 with an honorable discharge and worked at the Kerrville VA Medical Center for 6 years. In 1966, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, making it a career and retiring after 23 years of active duty service with an honorable discharge.  After leaving the Air Force, he traveled the U.S. and abroad, played golf every chance he got.  Joe had a long and exciting life - choosing to live life to the fullest.  He was funny, well-liked, loved, and respected by his friends, family and peers.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jose and Genoveva, and his youngest son Michael Cortez.

Surviving are Esther, his wife of 61 years, sons Ronnie and Eugene Cortez, daughter Nadine (John) Mayville; seven grandchildren, Kristoffer Cortez, Patrick Cortez, Vincent Cortez, Joe Torres, Esther Lopez, and Megan and Mitchell Mayville; and several cousins and close friends.

Visitation:  The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 West Washington St., O'Fallon, Ill.

Funeral:  Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2017, at the funeral home, with Rev. Jim Deiters officiating.  Burial will follow at Green Mount Cemetery, Belleville, Ill.