Alfonso Cervantes

Alfonso (Al) Cervantes passed away in his sleep on Friday, October 18, 2013. Survived by his wife and business partner, Charlotte V Cervantes. Three sisters, Ernestine Garcia of Dallas, TX; Jessica (Al) Diek of Woodland Hills, CA; and Beatrice (Luis) De La Cruz; One brother, Orlando Cervantes; Two sons, (Lourdes) Ivan A Cervantes and George A Cervantes; Daughter, Edna M (Billy) Brown; Four grandchildren, Andrew A Cervantes, Teresa R Cervantes, Christopher L Griego and Jacynda M Griego; Step-daughters, Karen C (Donald) Rose, Sharon E Jennings, and Tamera A (Marc) Licon; Step-grandchildren, Derek M Licon, David R Jennings, Jr., and Jenelle C Garcia (Samuels); Step-great-grandchildren, Bella M Garcia and Benjamin M Garcia. Proceeded in death by parents Matias (Sr) and Jesusita Baca Cervantes; Brothers, Ysidro Cervantes (survived by Angelina Cervantes), and Matias Cervantes, Jr. and sister, Guadalupe Drusina.

Graduated from El Paso High School, then served in the United States Army as a military police officer.

Working as a fireman with the El Paso Fire Department, driving the ladder truck, he soon learned he was not cut out for this type of work. He had trouble adjusting to the long hours of being on the job followed by long hours of idleness. Aside from that, he had two main problems. One was staying awake, the other was finding his way to the fires because he had no sense of direction. His career as a fireman ended by mutual agreement.

Was most remembered by his tremendous success with New York Life Insurance Company for 46 years. He earned “Man-Of-The-Year” award for top sales in the El Paso General Office sixteen times. In his honor, the El Paso office has established the “Al Cervantes Annuity Award” presented annually for top annuity sales. Achieved highest national Company recognition qualifier in the Chairmans or Presidents Council throughout the years.

Industry associations include: El Paso Association of Life Underwriters, National Association Of Life Underwriters, Million Dollar Round Table Life Member and was a charter member and three-time qualifier for the Knights-Of-The-Table, Century Club Life Member, Lone Star Leader’s Award, Texas Leader’s Round Table, National Sales Achievement Award and National Quality Award. Other associations were El Paso Estate Planning Council, El Paso Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Chamber Of Commerce, Rotarian, Upper Valley Lions Club President, United Way Fund Board Member, Bank and S & L Boards, El Paso Club Board, Lifetime member of the UTEP Alumni Association, El Paso Symphony Board and member of St Patrick Cathedral.

Many people remember him as an owner of health clubs in El Paso and Las Cruces. He enjoyed going to the gym, classical music, traveling with his wife to New York Life conventions held in exotic places. Bitten by the travel bug they became frequent travelers with good friends, visiting over forty countries and most of the United States. He enjoyed playing tennis and watching it on television. A Dallas Cowboys fan, he was also loyal to the UTEP Miners, frequently attending games. Other loves in his life were the family chihuahuas, Pete and Lola. He enjoyed dancing and thought his two-step was awesome!

Pallbearers: Ivan Cervantes, George Cervantes, Donald Rose, Michael Samuels, Andrew Cervantes, David Jennings, Marc Licon, Christopher Griego, Billy Brown, and Derek Licon. Honorary Pallbearers: Joe Mendoza, M.D., and Mario Montes.

Visitation will be on Thursday, October 24, 2013 from 5:00 to 9:00 pm at Martin Funeral Home West. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 25, 2013 at 1:00 pm Saint Patrick Cathedral. Burial to follow at Fort Bliss Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, he would prefer a donation to the El Paso Humane Society. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr. El Paso, Texas 79912 www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com