Johnnie Cortez, age 81, of Houston and formerly of East Bernard passed away peacefully on March 28, 2018 in a Wharton nursing home. He was born October 5, 1936 to the late Antonio Cortez, Sr. and Canuta Herrera Cortez. Visitation were held on Thursday evening, March 29, 2018 at Wharton Funeral Home from 5- 7 pm. Celebration of Life Services were held on Friday, March 30, 2018 at 10 a.m. with Pastor George Kutch officiating. Burial will follow at Czech National Cemetery in East Bernard, TX. Funeral Services under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at whartonfuneralhome.com.