Joseph "Joe" Cortez

Opelousas – Funeral services for Joseph “Joe” W. Cortez will be held on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas, LA.  Deacon Sammy Diesi will conduct the service.  Burial will follow at Bellevue Memorial Park.

Visitation will be held at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  A Rosary will be prayed Tuesday evening at 6:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue Wednesday, September 28, 2022, from 8:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

It is with deep sorrow we regretfully announce the passing of Joseph “Joe” Wayne Cortez on Sunday, September 25, 2022, at the age of 71, at Opelousas General Health System.

Joe worked in his family business as a mechanic for years and was the owner and operator of Cortez’s Auto Repair for over 50 years.  He was a member of the Independent Garage Owners, a board member of the St. Landry Parish Veterans Memorial and a past member of the Opelousas Jaycees.  He served his country proudly for six years and was a veteran of the Louisiana Army National Guard.

He enjoyed being outdoors, spending time hunting or being on the water fishing.  Joe was known as “Mr. Fix It” because he could weld anything and fix any broken item.  Most of all, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Joe will forever be remembered and missed by his wife of 51 years, Jeri Dufilho Cortez, of Opelousas; his son, Gerald Joseph Cortez and wife, Kristie of Opelousas; and his sisters, Phyllis LeTulle and husband, Chris of Opelousas; and Cheryl Stelly of Church Point.  He is also survived by his grandchildren, Cody Cortez and wife, Lauren, of Boston, MA; Callie Cortez of Opelousas, and Cami Cortez of Opelousas; one great-grandchild, Alani East of Opelousas; and his brother-in-law, Kermit Folks of Youngsville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Yves Cortez and Gloria Belle Soileau Cortez; and his granddaughter, Cori Renae Cortez.

Pallbearers will be Gerald Cortez, Cody Cortez, Johnny Taylor, Carl Soileau, Marvin Brown, and Maynard Sanchez.  Honorary pallbearers will be Max Fink, Chris LeTulle, Kermit Folks, and Antoine Lewis.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, (337) 942-2638, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.