Juan Navarrete

Juan Cruz Navarrete, age 77, of Copperas Cove and formerly of Barstow, CA, passed away on Saturday, February 20, 2021. Visitation will be on Sunday, February 28, 2021, from 11:00 AM -1:00 PM at Viss Family Funeral Home, 1614 S. FM 116 in Copperas Cove. Graveside Services will be at 3:00 PM, Monday, March 1, 2021, at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen. We will meet at the funeral home at 2:15 PM and go together in a procession to the cemetery.  Please come to the visitation with a story to share with the family. The graveside service will be live-streamed on our Facebook page.

Juan was born in La Feria, Texas to the late Augustin and Maria Hernandez Navarrete. He graduated from La Feria High School in 1961. In December of 1961, he joined the United States Marines and served for 6 years. He was stationed in Nebo Marine Base in Barstow, CA. While in California he met Sally Chavez and they married on February 10, 1966. They shared 25 years together. After his time with the Marines, he worked 50 years in the Marine Warehouse in Barstow. He loved his job and made many friends over the years. In his spare time, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed taking his family hunting, camping and fishing. Juan loved the Lord and would often read his Bible along with reading the newspaper every day. Juan spent many years with Irene Ortiz before moving to Copperas Cove.

Juan was preceded in death by his parents; and his son, Xavier “Moose” Navarrete.

Juan is survived by his children, Juanchito Navarrete, Monica Bates and husband, Isaac; siblings, Efrain Navarrete and wife, Rachel, Sally Fights and husband, Kenneth, Lisa Marshall, Ismelda Cerda and husband, Joe, and Abel Navarrete and wife, Liz. Juan is also survived by Irene’s daughters, Lydia Barajas and husband, Ramon, Elizabeth O’Brien and husband, Matt, Veronica Hayhurst and husband, Bill. He also leaves behind many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.