Anthony "Tony" Cervantes

Anthony “Tony” Cervantes, age 74, of Scottsbluff, Nebraska passed away Thursday, March 20, 2025, at his home. A Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Scottsbluff with Fr. Joseph Thambi as Celebrant. Tony will be laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff where the United States Navy and the Gering American Legion Honor Guard will provide military honors. Memorials may be made in care of the family. The Mass will be live-streamed and recorded to Tony’s obituary page viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.

Tony was born February 12, 1951, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska to Manuel and Conception (Montour) Cervantes. He enrolled in the Job Corp at Chadron in 1969 where he trained as a fireman. Anthony then served in the U.S. Navy from November 23, 1970, through February 22, 1977, followed by several years in the U.S. National Guard. He later received his associate’s degree in science from Nebraska Western College.

Tony married Margaret Mary Cervantes on September 17, 1975. They were later divorced, but remained married by the Catholic Church, and several years later rekindled their relationship.

Anthony had a strong work ethic and was always ready to provide for his family however he could, but his main source of employment was as a baker on the night shift for Mister Donut/Baker's Dozen on the Scottsbluff/Gering Highway. In later years, he worked for Lockwoods and in his retirement, as an in-home caregiver for Margaret and several other clients.

In Tony’s life, his weapons of choice were the Holy Spirit, his guitar, and a sense of humor. He loved making music with others and was always eager to share his knowledge. While he didn’t claim to know everything, Tony was genuinely interested in learning, growing, and helping others along their journeys. Tony was never fond of the spotlight, yet he was well-known for his musical contributions within his church community, where he was the steady bass player, providing a solid foundation from the background. He took great pleasure in playing a supporting role, letting his vibrant Hawaiian shirts and disarming jokes shine from the sidelines. He enjoyed his space and was very private with a quirky personality. However, beneath the jokes and humor lay a wealth of knowledge; he had a deep understanding of history and a knack for exchanging ideas.

Tony had a remarkable sense of dedication to his commitments, including an enduring devotion to his Catholic faith. He was not nice. He was kind. A man who always strove to do what he thought was right, no matter the inconvenience, and often in spite of his personal feelings. People respected him for his integrity and his ability to feel completely comfortable in his own skin.

Tony was never one for extravagance, but he shared what little he had with anyone in need, whether it be a ride in his wheelchair lift van, use of his recording equipment or guitars, taking kids to and from school for friends, or even the odd babysitting favor. For Tony, what made a person was the things they do.

Survivors include his children, Michael James Cervantes (Wendy White), Juan Jose (Amy) Cervantes, Aimee Cervantes (Jeri Yeager), and Elijah Cervantes; grandchildren, Juan Cervantes, Calcee Cervantes-Mendez, Naticia Cervantes, and other separated grandchildren who he prayed for and cared about deeply; nine great-grandchildren; grand pooch, Lillie Bug; siblings, Lupe (Manuel) Gutierrez, Ruth (Glenn) Tewksbury, Fred (Maddie) Cervantes, Linda Cervantes, Theresa Cervantes, and Jackie (Dominic) Guzman; brother-in-law, Elmer Estrada; his former wife and lifelong companion, Margaret Cervantes; as well as other extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Manuel and Conception “Concha” Cervantes; infant son, Isaac Joseph Cervantes; and sister, Clara Estrada.