Roy Cortez

Roy Z. Cortez
May 21, 1921 - December 10, 2013
Roy Z Cortez of Nampa, Idaho was called home on Tuesday December 10th, 2013. He died peacefully at home with his family at his side.
A funeral Mass will be held at St Paul's Catholic Church, 510 W Roosevelt in Nampa, on Tuesday, December 17th at 11:00 am. A committal service will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Nampa.
Roy was born May 21, 1921, the youngest of 9 boys, born to Victor and Timotea Cortez in McAllen, Texas. Dad served in the US Army during WWII and participated in the invasion of Normandy as well as campaigns of Ardennes, Rhineland, Northern France and Central Europe. Upon honorable discharge he returned home to McAllen, TX and married Eleanor Gomez on October 21, 1945 in Pharr, Texas. He completed barber college in Texas where he worked as a barber in his father-in-law's shop. He served two terms as Councilman on the Pharr City Council. He also was employed at Morton Ice Plant in Texas until 1964 when he relocated his family to Nampa, Idaho. He worked for Kellogg Mills and the Idaho State School and Hospital where he retired in 1986.
Dad is preceded in death by his parents; 8 brothers; and his wife of 56 years, Eleanor. Dad is survived by Betty, his beloved wife, whom he married in 2002; sons, Victor (Leslie), Carlos (Frances), Leroy, Noe, Oscar and Saul (Shona); stepchildren, Susan Contreras (Miguel), Sandra Crest (John), Lorie Stites and Don Clyne (Gail); 25 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Roy loved hunting, fishing, dancing, playing cards, western movies, boxing and spending time with his family. Dad and Betty met at the Nampa Senior Center where they enjoyed the Thursday night dances and made lifelong friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Nampa Senior Center 207 Constitution Way Nampa, ID 83686.
For more information, photos, video or to share memories and condolences please visit www.alsipfuneralchapel.com