Juan Manuel “Johnny” Cordero, 71, went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on Jan. 12, 2022. Johnny was born to Jose Maria (Joe) Cordero, Jr. and Gregoria Ramos Cordero on Oct. 2, 1950.

He attended school in Fort Stockton, Texas, and received his bachelor’s degree from Midland College.

Johnny was a Vietnam veteran and was fiercely proud of having served in the U.S. Air Force.

Upon his father’s death in 2002, he moved back to Fort Stockton to care for his mother. Johnny reestablished his roots both locally and with his church family. He was a member of St. Joseph and St. Agnes Catholic churches, where he wholeheartedly enjoyed serving as extraordinary minister of the Eucharist, as well as on several church committees. Johnny had a smile for everyone and was always willing to help anyone in need.

In October 2019, Johnny and his mother moved to Midland, Texas, due to her ill health, and together with his sisters, had cared for their mother there since then. Still, Johnny had longed to return home to Fort Stockton and his beloved parish family and friends.

Johnny was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Ester and Refugio Ramos, Sr.; his paternal grandparents, Ysabel and Jose Maria Cordero, Sr.; his father, Joe Cordero, Jr.; and his beloved nephew Patrick Paul Dupre.

Johnny leaves behind to mourn his passing his mother, Gregoria Ramos Cordero; his sisters Gloria Diana Cowin of Round Rock, Texas, and Rosie Garcia and fiancé Camilo Palacios of Midland; niece Brandi and Jerry Moore of Round Rock; nephews Joey and Cassy Garcia of Midland, and Ana Garcia of Fort Worth, Texas, and Nathan Garcia of Midland; three great nephews and two great nieces; maternal aunt Esperanza Jimenez of Odessa, Texas; and paternal aunt Gloria Navarrette of El Paso, Texas; as well as many cousins and friends.

Rosary took place on Jan. 17, 2022, at the Heritage Funeral Home Chapel in Fort Stockton. Funeral Mass was held on Jan. 18, 2022, at St Joseph Catholic Church in Fort Stockton. Interment followed at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Arrangements were entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home of the Big Bend in Fort Stockton.

If you would like to send your condolences to the family, you may do so by signing his guestbook at heritagefuneralhomeofthebigbend.com.