Charles Anthony "Tony" Cortese, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and uncle, departed this world May 26, 2017. Born June 22, 1941 in Pueblo Colorado, he was preceded in death by his parents, Vince and Pauline Cortese.

Tony is survived by spouse, Eva N. (Jay) Cortese to whom he was married for 28 years; sister, Laurel Scarborough and husband Dale of Tenino, WA; brother, Jess Cortese and wife Dee of Nixa, MO; son, Tony Cortese of CA; daughter, Tina Cortese of Kingsburg, CA; step-daughters, Pamala Brickell and Michelle Van Klay; step-son, Michael Kevin Middleton, all of Branson, MO; 4 grandchildren, Anthony Cortese, Angelique Brickell, Gabrial Middleton and Charley Middleton; 2 great-grandchildren, Kalena Cortese and Dominic Cortese; and nephews, Jess Jr. Cortese, Joel C. Scarborough, Adam Cortese and Matthew Cortese.

Charles " Tony" was born the second of three children, the family moved to Visalia California in the 1940's and then bought a farm in Monson California. His dad, Vince, farmed for many years and sold his produce to stores all over California, he also peddled the fruit that was left to different farmers' markets. The children each took turns helping their dad deliver the produce. They also helped on the farm.

Charles went to Sultana Elementary school and Dinuba High School until he joined the Navy in 1958, when he was 17 years old.

He joined the Navy August 13, 1958. He served proudly for 29 years. During his service he was on two different ships, the USS Hancock and the USS Inchon and did three tours in Vietnam. He received numerous medals and commendations while proudly serving our Country. He always had fond memories of his Navy buddies.

After he retired from the Navy CWO4, he met and married Eva and they raised cattle in the Mountain Grove area.... going back to his farming roots.

Tony and Eva became full time RV'rs for many years, traveling all over the United States, he never met a stranger and made lasting friends everywhere they went.

The last five or so years he was also a music entertainer and performed at many RV parks, his best and favorite were Elvis Presley songs, he also sang songs from Frank Sinatra, George Straight, Tony Bennett and many others singers.

Tony suffered a long and courageous battle with lung cancer. He was diagnosed in early October 2014, with complications from being exposed to Agent Orange in the Vietnam War. He gave his life for our freedom Friday May 26, 2017

His wife Eva and Miss Pearl (he and Eva's fur baby) were a great comfort throughout his time of sickness. His strong faith in Jesus has been his strength and solace throughout this time of tribulation. He is not gone, he just has a "Permanent Change of Duty Station". "Anchors Away"

Services will be held at 1 PM, Thursday, June 8, 2017, in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S. Southwood Road, with full Military Honors. Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services, Springfield.