Rafael Cortinas

Rafael “Ralph” Cortinas, 79, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, formerly of Anaheim, California, was born December 20, 1943, in El Paso, Texas, the son of Prospero and Victoria (Aguinaga) Cortinas. He departed this life Friday, March 31, 2023, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, Missouri.

Ralph was a Graduate of the Bel Air High School in El Paso, Texas.

He was a United States Army Vietnam War veteran.  While serving in Vietnam he earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Sharpshooter Medal, and the Overseas Bar-Republic of Vietnam.

On August 8, 1972, he was united in marriage to Ana B. Cardona in San Gabriel, California. She preceded him in death on February 19, 2019.  To this union one son, Fernando was born.

Ralph was first employed at Orchid Paper Products in Los Angeles where he met Ana. He later joined the United States Postal Service where he worked until his retirement in in 2011.  He was a member of the St. Bridget Catholic Church in Pleasant Hill and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3118, Pleasant Hill.  He enjoyed landscaping, tinkering around working in his yard and garage, and time spent with family.  Ralph could be a threatening force but was a gentle and generous hearted person.

Ralph was also preceded in death by his parents, his son Fernando, and six siblings, David, Esther, Alfonso, Luis, Feliciano, and Rebeca.

He is survived by his daughter-in-law Amie Fleming of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; two grandchildren, Harrison (and Michilla Selseo) Cortinas of Raytown, Missouri, and Katie Cortinas of Lee’s Summit; two sisters, Martha (and Frank) Ramirez of Yorba Linda, California, and Felicitas Alvidrez of El Paso, Texas; other relatives and friends.

Cremation has been accorded.

Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at the St. Bridget Catholic Church in Pleasant Hill. Reverend Curt Vogel officiated.  Inurnment was in the Lone Jack Cemetery, Lone Jack, Missouri, with full military honors by the United States Army and the V.F.W. Post #3118 Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Missouri Veterans Home of Warrensburg and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.StanleyEdenburn.com

Arrangements: Stanley-Edenburn Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong St., Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080 (816) 540-5550