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Leonides (Lee) Cortez Sr., 84, went to be with the Lord on March 2nd, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born in Victoria, Texas, on August 4th, 1941, to Guadalupe Sr. and Celia Cortez who were migrant workers. He traveled around Texas throughout his childhood before settling down in Lamesa, TX. He was a longtime truck driver who went by the name of El Bandido/The Black Bandit and traveled over the road. He enjoyed cooking outside with his family, dancing to Norteñas, and looking sharp in his western attire. His greatest joy was his family and spending time with them. He is survived by his wife, Elvia Cortez. He also survived by his 4 sons, Joe Cortez Sr. and his spouse Elvia, Leonides Cortez Jr., Pedro Flores and his spouse Gina, and Jorge Flores and his spouse Arielle, and his 4 daughters, Irma Moralez and spouse Nune, Elida Hilario and spouse Alfredo Sr., Christina Ontiveros and spouse Manuel Sr., and Dalia Cortez. He is also survived by his 33 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Carolina Cortez. He was preceded in death by his parents, Guadalupe Sr. and Celia Cortez; 8 brothers Arthur Sr., Rudy, Freddy, Jessie, Robert, Manuelito, Ramiro, and Guadalupe Jr; and 5 sisters Elida, Dalia, Lidia, Emma, and Viola, 3 grandchildren Angel Menjarez, Patricia Hernandez, and Adriana Hernandez and one great-granddaughter Marissa Celeste Rivera, and numerous relatives and friends. The viewing will be held at Gonzales Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 5th, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary prayer service starting at 6:00 p.m. The funeral Mass celebration service will be held Thursday, March 6, 2025, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Lamesa, TX at 2:00 p.m., with Father Sylvester Dsouza officiating, followed by the burial in the Dawson County Cemetery. The pallbearers will be Pedro Flores, Joe Cortez Jr., Jesse Delgado Jr., Albert Cortez, Lee Cortez III, Alfredo Hilario Jr., Manuel Ontiveros Jr., and Francisco Rivera. “Breaker 1-9 Breaker 1-9, this is The Black Bandit, my last ride has ended March 2nd, 2025, at 7:08 p.m. 10-4, Over and Out.” “The Trucker’s Last Ride” He traveled the roads In years gone past A life he chose and Hoped it would last. Driving all night From state to state Trying to get home And arriving so late. He parked his truck now His engine has stopped And those who love him Their hearts have dropped. He traveled the country With a smile of great pride Now he drives the streets of Heaven On the trucker’s last ride. “May God ride with you… 10-4.”

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LEONIDES CORTEZ SR.

August 4, 1941 - March 2, 2025