He was born Feb. 5, 1926 to Fabian Cervantes and Felicitas Salazar of El Dorado, KS.
He was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters, Julia Gonzalez from Mexico, Juanita Jaso, Newton, KS, Mary Madrigal, Wichita, KS, and Ramona Requena, ElDorado, KS, and two brothers, Andrew Cervantes, ElDorado, KS and Ray Cervantes, Wichita, KS. One living sister, Ruth Cabrales, lives in ElDorado, KS.
He married the love of his life, Josephine Arroyo, of 67 years on Jan. 3, 1953 in Derby, KS. He also leaves behind 2 sons, Philip Jr. of Farmers Branch, TX, Micheal Cervantes of Carrollton TX and 2 daughters, Brenda Cervantes, and Debra Walker from Carrollton, TX. He had 6 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
He worked for the Santa Fe Railroad for 40 years and retired in 1988. He walked every day to and from work 99% of the time. We always joked about how he could eat macaroni and cheese sandwiches almost every day for his lunch or dinner.
Our dad loved to eat sweets, so it was never a surprise that he would always ask us to pick him up a strawberry shake from Braums when we were out running errands.
Another great memory we joked about, is when our mother worked nights, dad loved to go to the bar on Old Main and play pool. He would always tell us kids, “Let’s go for a ride.” We would be so excited. Little did we know we would have to stay in the car while he went inside to have a cold one. Boy, did he get a chewing out from mom when she found out what he had done.
The kids would make silly but memorable home videos named, “The Cervantes Bunch”, “Mariachis Concert”, 50th anniversary, etc. He would truly enjoy watching them, usually laughing a lot. It was like family night.
Dad loved his family and was very proud of the accomplishments of his children. He selflessly sacrificed his own needs in order to give his children meaningful experiences and opportunities as we grew up.
His son, Philip, the eldest son, provided much joy and memories, taking dad to fancy restaurants, or just sitting with him during a Wichita State Shockers basketball game or a movie. Micheal is the musician in the family and dad loved listening to his music, and going to the recitals and concerts. Micheal’s song, “Dancing with the Angels”, was one of the songs he wanted sung at his passing. It was played for him, along with “Ave Maria.” Brenda remembers her dad going to a basketball tournament out of state to surprise her, only to find out the time was changed and he made a trip for nothing. After that, he always called to verify times. Debra played softball and remembers how excited dad was to go to California to watch her win a National Softball Championship. He would travel many times with the parents of the ballplayers in an RV to wherever a game was being played, or with his good friends in a truck to move his children’s furniture to Texas. He would talk about how much fun they had and how he truly loved those moments.
He loved listening to Mariachi music and going to the Mexican dances with his family and friends.
The Newton Mexican-American Athletic Club (NMAAC) July 4th Softball Fastpitch tourney, was always a pleasure for him to work, watch, and even play on a team. Dad was elected to the NMAAC Hall of Fame on July, 1995. He was one of the original players and truly loved the game. In 1998, he was on the Legends team and felt humbled by the experience.
Dad was a devout Catholic and his faith never wavered. Dad was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church for 67 years.
Dad served his country in the United States Army during WW II from April 29, 1944-June1, 1946. Being a part of the Kansas Honor Flight was by far one of the highlights of his life. It was very meaningful because he was able to share the experience with his two kids, Philip and Brenda. He was given the opportunity to place the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on Sept. 26-28, 2012.
There are two links associated with his honor flight:
Kansas Honor Flight Felipe Cervantes approx. 20 min. https://youtu.be/uj65AS6CXj4
Felipe Cervantes Wreath Ceremony approx. 5 min. https://youtu.be/CAMJobPNpvQ
Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021 at 11:15 am at DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX. Visitation will be held that morning at 9 am. For more information visit Felipe Cervantes Obituary - Carrollton, TX (dignitymemorial.com)
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations to:
NMAAC
818 Spruce
Newton, KS 67114
Or
Notre Dame School of Dallas
2018 Allen Street
Dallas, TX 75204
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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