Juanito Garcia Masulit

Juanito Garcia Masulit, age 91, of Vandalia, MO passed away at 11:14 pm Friday, December 23, 2022, at the Mexico Veterans Home. 

Funeral services will be held 11:00 am Friday, December 30, 2022, at the Waters Funeral Home. Pastor Brian Lehenbauer will officiate. 

Graveside services with full military honors will be held 2:30 pm Friday, December 30, 2022, at the Union Hill Cemetery in Holt Summit, MO. 

Visitation celebrating Juanito's life will be held at 10:00 am 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 August 14, 1962, in Ferguson, MO. She survives him of the home.

Other survivors include a son John J. Masulit (Shannon) of Littleton, CO; 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, Juanito was preceded in death by his brothers and one sister.

Juanito graduated from high school and college in the Philippines and went on to honorably serve in the United States Navy for twenty two 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 Company 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 will be 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