Philip Joseph Cortez Jr.

BURLESON — Philip “P.J.” Cortez, 74, passed away Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, surrounded by his loving family. Memorial service: 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at Westlawn Cemetery in Gretna, La. P.J. was born in New Orleans on Sept. 28, 1938, to the late Philip “Billy” and Lucille Cortez. He graduated from West Jefferson High School in 1956. While in high school he met the love of his life, Lucy Trosclair. They were married on Sept. 28, 1957. Together they raised three beautiful children, Brad, Keith and Genieve. P.J. built a life in Marrero, La., with his family and resided there for 65 years. An avid golfer, P.J. played many rounds of golf at Timberlane Country Club in Gretna. P.J. relocated to Burleson in 2005 with his wife, Lucy. He continued playing golf in Burleson as a member of Mountain Valley Country Club. P.J. enjoyed cooking for his family and friends, and watching his LSU Tigers play football. He will truly be missed by many family and friends that he touched with his words of wisdom, larger than life personality, and his giving heart. P.J. was preceded in death by his sister, Jackie Hebert, and granddaughter, Alisha Rivera. Survivors: He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Lucy; sister, JoAnn Arcement and husband, Butch; brother-in-law, Six Hebert; children and their spouses, Brad and Shelia Cortez, Keith and Karen Cortez, Genieve and Dean Barkman; grandchildren, Angie and Jason Haynie, Rayshel Cortez, B.J. Cortez, Brittney and Roger Brown, Nicholas Cortez, Kym Cortez, Randi Cortez; great-grandchildren, Ava Summerhill, Abby Haynie, Kaiden Cortez, Dakota Malbrough, J.D. Haynie, Rae Lynn Malbrough and Raegan Cortez.