Manuel Leyva Cortez, of Fort Stockton, Texas, passed away on October 5, 2023, in Fort Stockton, Texas.

Manuel was born in Los Alamos de San Antonio, Municipality of Manuel Benavides in Chihuahua, Mexico. He was a cowboy at heart, working in various ranches both in Mexico and the United States. He also worked as a migrant farm worker as part of the Bracero Program.

He had a presence larger than life with his clothing always being meticulously cleaned and ironed! He loved conversations over coffee! His storyteller charisma was one to draw attention every time he spoke. His devotion to reading his bible was a consistent way of life!

He is preceded in death by his parents, Diego Cortez, and Maria Luisa Leyva. His first wife, Longina Lujan Cortez, their sons Artemio, Artemio 2nd, and Jesus. His siblings Lorenzo, Jose Vicente, and Socorro.

He is survived by his wife, Lydia Granado. From his first marriage, he is survived by his daughters Araceli Madrid and her spouse Jose Angel Madrid, and Neiva Sandoval. From his second marriage, he is survived by his sons Alfredo Cortez, his spouse Moraima Cortez Carrasco, and José Manuel Jr. Cortez. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren.

He passed away peacefully 11 days shy of his 97th birthday!

His wishes were to be cremated and taken to his birthplace.

The family of Manuel Cortez wishes to extend our sincere thanks to his caregiver, Vilma Jaquez. Thank you to the staff of Pecos County Memorial Hospital, Hospice, and the Eternity Funeral Home for all their guidance and help.