Juanito Garcia Masulit, 91, of Vandalia, Mo., died at 11:14 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23, 2022, at the Mexico Veterans Home.
Services were held at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, at the Waters Funeral Home. Pastor Brian Lehenbauer officiated.
Graveside services with full military honors were held at 2:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, at the Union Hill Cemetery in Holt Summit, Mo.
Visitation celebrating Juanito’s life was held at 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday at the Waters Funeral Home.
Juanito was born June 12, 1931, in Rizal Santa, Philippines, the son of Emigio and Matea B. Masulit.
He was united in marriage to Susan Hoffman on Aug. 14, 1962, in Ferguson, Mo. She survives him of the home.
Other survivors include a son, John J. Masulit (Shannon) of Littleton, Colo.; daughters, Mila Ayers (Rod) of Curryville, Mo., and Dely Ellen Fischer (John) of Bonne Terre, Mo.; grandchildren, Megan Guyan (Brad), Austin Guyan (Tasha), Timothy Masulit (Me’rcedes), Ashley Ayers, Jennifer Ayers, Emily Savage (Tony), Ross Ayers (Maddy), John M. Masulit and Nicholas Masulit; great grandchildren, Kai, Maikah Nuncio, Alexzander, Grayson and one on the way, Hudson.
In addition to his parents, his brothers and one sister died earlier.
Juanito graduated from high school and college in the Philippines and went on to honorably serve in the U.S. Navy for 22 years. He served during the Korean Conflict and Vietnam, and he was stationed on all seven continents. His last station before retirement was at the Pentagon.
Upon retirement from the Navy, Juanito worked at the Mavrako Candy Co. in Bonne Terre, Mo., and Iron Mountain Forge in Farmington, Mo.
In his free time, Mr. Masulit enjoyed gardening and raising vegetables. He loved sharing his produce with family and friends. He proudly said every year, “I have the biggest tomatoes!” Watching sports, especially the St. Louis Cardinals and the St. Louis Rams was another pastime that Juanito enjoyed.
Juanito’s biggest love was his family. He cherished every moment spent with them, especially his grandchildren whom he truly adored.
Juanito was a member of the Vandalia VFW Post 2173, the Bowling Green VFW Post 5553 and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Vandalia.
Pallbearers were John J. Masulit, Rod Ayers, Ross Ayers, John M. Masulit, Timothy Masulit, Austin Guyan and Nicholas Masulit.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Mexico Veterans Home Assistance League, in care of the Waters Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be made to the family and video tribute viewed on Jaunito’s memorial page at www.watersfuneral.com.