Rene Noyola Cortez, 80, a 60-year resident of Houston, TX, passed away on April 27th, 2025. He was born on April 17th, 1945, to Dolores and Donaciano Cortez in San Benito, TX. Growing up in San Benito, Rene was an adventurer in his own backyard, swimming in a fresh, clear water reservoir near the water processing plant with his brothers and cousins. He and his brothers were the definition of outdoorsmen-in-training, making fond memories night hunting from the back of pickup trucks, fishing, swimming, and camping at South Padre Island and along the banks of the Rio Grande River with their dad. Rene proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy.  After his Naval service, he worked as a deep-sea diver offshore in Louisiana.  Later, he made Houston his home, worked for the Federal Reserve Bank, and, most importantly, met his wife, Ruth. While attending the Banking Institute, Rene started working at Main Bank, where he rose to the position of Vice President. Rene was never one to sit still—he always had a side job, and one of his all-time favorites was working at The Summit. He loved the lively energy of concerts, sporting events, circuses, and various other activities held there. Rene often brought his boys along to these events, creating unforgettable memories at Rockets games and beyond. For Rene, his time at The Summit wasn’t just a job—it was a front-row seat to life’s most exciting moments. A workout enthusiast, Rene embraced an active lifestyle with a passion for running and swimming. He found joy and energy in these pursuits, relishing the freedom they provided. Rene was also an avid listener of talk and sports radio, staying plugged into lively discussions and the latest updates in the world of sports. Whether debates, game recaps, or playful banter, he had a genuine appreciation for the voices behind the mic.  Rene was a devoted sports fan with a passion for boxing, baseball, basketball, soccer, and just about anything that brought the thrill of competition. Whether he was cheering from the sidelines or sharing his love for the sports with his family, Rene’s enthusiasm for athletics was a defining part of his character. With a sharp ear for words and an endless curiosity, Rene delighted in uncovering the quirky backstories of words and their evolution. He also had a deep love for song lyrics, and his family could always count on impromptu calls from him to share melodies that struck a chord.

Rene is preceded in death by his parents, Dolores and Donaciano Cortez, and his brother Ely Cortez. He is survived by his wife, Helen Ruth Cortez; his daughter, Stacy Cortez-Graves (Steve); his sons, Marcos Cortez (Dana), Antonio Cortez (Monica), Miguel Cortez (Elaina), Andres Cortez (Aleks); his brothers, Javier Cortez (Irene) and Mario Cortez (Diana); his grandchildren, Tristan Cortez (Haley), Carly Cortez, Aidan Cortez (Naveaha), Brendan Cortez, Natalie Cortez, Ellen Cortez, Amelia Cortez, Vivian Cortez, Katana Cortez, and Marian Cortez; and his great-grandchildren, Colter Cortez, Alice Cortez, Patrick Cortez; and step-grandchildren Jackson Logan, Emma Long (John) and step great grandchild Malcolm Long.