Cortez Broadnax

Cortez Broadnax was born July 17,1936 in Gary, IN.  He was the third child, and first son of the marriage union of Cortez I. and Lela Marie Ford Broadnax.  On may 25, 2022, Cortez II was welcome into eternity by his father, mother, brothers, Richard and Charles, his oldest sister, Doris Marie Woods, and his bonus daughter, LeFlorence Dula.

Cortez received a stellar education in the public schools of Gary, IN.  He completed an academic program, but his real love was playing the cornet, the trumpet, and other brass instruments.  He was a member of the marching band, concert band, and advanced orchestra.  He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1957.  Even in high school, he was a well-respected musician who was invited to participate in gigs and play with professional musicians who came through town.  

Cortez II began his military career in the United States Air Force.  He started his career at Offutt Base in Nebraska.  While serving, he continued his love affair with his cornet, trumpet, and the flugelhorn.  He preserved and received an honorable discharge at the completion of his Air Force term. 

After his discharge, Cortez moved to Chicago where he served almost three decades as an employee of the Social Security Administration. He was a lifelong student.  His various courses of study qualified him to be employed as a tutor in District 86 in Joliet, IL..He was also employed in the Joliet Township District 204 in the transportation/security departments. 

While employed in Chicago, Cortez produced his priceless treasures: Cortez III and Roshunda Broadnax.  When he was visiting in Joliet, he met and pursued Sarah Blakney, who became the love of his life.  They were married in August 1996.

Cortez accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. He was a faithful and beloved member of Christian Faith Center Church.  He was a dedicated and dependable prayer warrior, student of the Word, and a "sheep" of Jesus Christ.  He is an overcomer by the Blood of the Lamb and the Word of his testimony. 

Cortez II is dearly loved by his wife, Sarah, his children, Cortez III and Roshunda Broadnax; his grandchildren, Cortney Broadnax, his bonus children, Tina Finch, and Tara Jackson. He is deeply missed by his sisters, Barbara LaBroi, Sandra(Darrel) Betts, and Marjorie Broadnax. Cortez is loved and cherished by his generations of family, bonus grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousin, in-laws, and friends.  

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