Rogelio Vela Cortez, 68, of Kingsville, Texas passed away on February 5, 2025, in Kleberg County.

He was born on February 28, 1956, in San Antonio, Texas to Arturo and Mary Louise Cortez.

Rogelio was a retired laborer. Those who knew Rogelio remember him as an honorable and dedicated U.S. Navy Vietnam Veteran. He was a talented baseball player—one who, perhaps, should not have slid that one time. A humble yet talented artist, he expressed his creativity through sculptures to paint on canvases, leaving behind a legacy of exemplary work. His love for sports extended beyond the field, as he followed and appreciated all kinds of athletic competition. Above all, Rogelio will be remembered by his family and friends as the life of the party — someone who always knew how to shine.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arturo and Mary Louise Cortez; and his brother, Arturo Cortez, Jr.

Survivors include three daughters, Dennise (Trinidad III) Rawlinson of Kingsville, Cindy Garcia of Kingsville, and Devon Marie Cortez of San Antonio; one son, Rogelio (Jennifer) Cortez Jr. of San Antonio; nine grandchildren, Tommy, Mandy, Michelle, Jenna, Maddison, Mason, Roxanne, Eric, and Alex; three sisters, Anne (Joe) Vasquez, Sylvia (Rudy) Cortez, and Cyndi (Ricardo) Cortez; two brothers, Roberto V. Cortez, and Albert Cortez; three great-grandchildren; and several uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m.
Interment will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 9:15 a.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas will full military honors rendered.

Arrangements under the compassionate care of Ramirez-Salinas Funeral Home.