Frank Cervantez

Frank Cervantez was born September 17, 1925 in Dodge City, Kansas to Benigno Cervantez and Elvira Olivarez. He passed away January 21, 2016 at Southeast Colorado Hospital surrounded by family and friends. In 1941 at the age of 17, Frank left Lewis, Kansas and came to Springfield to work in the broomcorn fields. His uncle, Delfino Frias, who worked for the Santa Fe Railroad convinced him to work there instead. On May 04, 1943 he married Lydia Negrete in Kinsley, Kansas. To this union Elvira Jane and Frank Jr. were born. They were divorced in 1966. In 1944 Frank was drafted into World War II. He served in the 89th Division, 355th infantry and the 3rd Battalion in Europe. After WWII he enlisted in the reserves so when the Korean conflict broke out he went back into service as private E-2. While in Korea, he was promoted to Sargent. He always took great pride in service to his country and in the American flag that he always flew. Frank became a regular customer at the Springfield Department Store after meeting Laveta Mason Dowell a clerk. After a store Christmas party in 1971 they began their loving and inseparable relationship of 42 years. They were married October 27, 1973. She brought four grown children to the Union: Roger Deloy, Rose Mary, Virgil Ray and Beverly Kay. Together Frank and Laveta gave generously to Springfield and Baca County with their time and talents. In 1977 they were recognized as Mr. and Mrs. Equinox for their years of community service. Frank was well known for his cooking at the Baca County Fair free barbeque. His family remembers his biscuits and gravy made from scratch. Hunting buddies say they loved the hunting with Frank but the fact he did all the cooking made the trips mere memorable. Frank was a member of the Lyons Club and served on the board of directors. He volunteered on the eyeglass committee, cooked pancakes and hamburgers, sacked and delivered toys at Christmas and was always involved. He was a member of the Baca County Sheriff’s Posse for many years and delivered meals on wheels. He was always eager to help and never wanted recognition. He retired from the railroad after 44 years. He was a foreman later in his career. Those who worked for him commented on his strong ethics and fairness. Frank was natural athlete. He was a graceful roller-skater and was unbeatable at shooting baskets. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He was an excellent marksman whether it was with rifle, pistol, bowling ball or horseshoes. At the Mason family reunions everyone wanted him to be their partner so they could be assured they would win the trophy. And he loved his Denver Broncos!! He was a very gentle man with a whole lot of patience and common sense. He loved family gatherings and contributed to stories and history. Frank was welcomed to his heavenly home by his parents, Ben and Elvira, step mother Petra, wife, Laveta, and step-son Roger Dowell. He is survived by his daughters, Jane (Millard) Reschke of Pearland Texas, Son Frank Jr. (Linda) Cervantez of Broomfield CO, Rose (Miles) Wattles of Roseburg, OR, Son Virgil (Brenda) Dowell of Washougal WA, Daughter Beverly (Dennis) Houser of Springfield, CO, and Sister Marie Delgado of Wichita, KS. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be given to the Southeast Colorado Hospital-373 East 10 Ave, Baca County Sheriff’s Posse- 265 East 2nd Ave. or the Springfield VFW, PO BOX 445. Donations may be made directly or by way of Maltbie Funeral Services.