Luis Cortés

Luis Cortés, of Laredo, TX, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2025, just days prior to what would have been his 86th birthday.

Born on September 8, 1939, to Jose Ascension Cortés and Felicitas Martinez Cortés, Luis was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

In 1959, at the age of 20, while working as a Manager at Jitney Jungle, he would meet the love of his life, Dr. Guadalupe M. Cortés, a beautiful young lady who would ask him to be her prom date and their long lifetime journey of living and dancing together would begin. Married for 64 years, God blessed them with three children: Maria, Sara, and Luis Jr. Throughout his life, he enjoyed bowling, baseball, ranching, hunting, fishing, boating, traveling, but most importantly, moving about the dance floor with his beautiful wife.

Luis was preceded in death by his parents: Jose and Felicitas Cortés; brother, Mario Cortés; his grandsons: Jorge Javier Estrada and Vicente Estrada.

He is survived by his beautiful wife and dance partner, Dr. Guadalupe M. Cortés; his children: Mary J. Schalles (Kurtis, Jr.), Sara A. Gomez (Cesar), and Luis Cortés, Jr. (Edna); his grandchildren: Francisco Estrada (Erika), Venessa Estrada, Alonzo Martinez, Luis Martinez, Daniel Martinez, Raul Cortés (Alely), Denise Diaz (Roberto), and Emily Cortés, as well as 12 great-grandchildren; siblings: Romana Cortés, Carmen Sanchez, Maria del Refugio Cortés, Alicia Pedraza, Raul Cortés. Further surviving him are numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends made along the way.

The family will be receiving condolences on Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 5 to 9 pm at Hillside Funerals & Cremations, where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will be held at 7 pm.

Funeral service will take place on Friday, September 12, 2025 with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at Christ the King Catholic Church.  We invite you to join the family at 9:30 am at the church. There will be no procession from the funeral home.

Procession will depart the church after the mass for the Rite of Committal and Interment at the family plot in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Alonso Martinez III, Luis A. Martinez, Daniel M. Martinez, Raul R. Cortés, Francisco J. Estrada, Jr., Roberto Diaz, Cesar A. Gomez, and Kurtis Schalles.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hillside Funerals & Cremations; 310 W. Hillside Rd.; Laredo, TX 78041; 956.724.6060