Dates
Juan Gauna of Eldorado passed away on June 9, 2024, at the age of 96. He was born on August 29, 1927 to Librado and Dolores Gauna in a small ranch called El Rancho Del Corral de Piedra , 14 miles southwest of Eldorado TX.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 75 years, Maria Hipolito Gauna and his children Adan Gauna, Sadie Santellano, Ermelinda Gauna and granddaughter Mary Ann Gandar.
He is survived by his children Samuel Santellano, Virginia(Joe) Garza, Mary Ann(Rick) Morales, Romaine(Jennifer) Gauna, and grandchildren, Romaine Jr., Sammy, Adon, Gilbert, Steven, Philip, Ermelinda, John, Wilbert, Ricky, Venessa and several generations of great grandchildren.
“Juanio” was a simple man of few words. He was very wise and keenly aware of his surroundings. He was strong-willed and very stubborn at times. He also had a great sense of humor and cherished every day of life.
Juan started his work ethic at a very young age, working with his father chopping mesquite and cactus for surrounding ranches, earning 5 cents a day. As a young married man he supported his family as a tasnique (sheep shearer) all across the U.S.A. He was part of a rare group of men known as Los Doscientos. These men could shear at least 200 sheep in a day without blemishes and were well known by ranchers. He later got a CDL and drove semi-trucks was also a diesel mechanic. When the oilfield slowed down, he began working for the city of Eldorado where he later retired.
Juanio was happiest when he was fishing or at a baseball field watching or coaching anything from little leagues, pony leagues, women’s softball and men’s baseball. Nothing made him happier than hearing the distinct sound of a home run being hit.
Being part of an amazing generation, he was the 8th child of 10 siblings: Luz Moreno, Prudencia Belman, Paula Arispe, Jose Aguilar, Remigio Gauna, Juan Gauna, Olegario Gauna, Manuel Gauna and Juanita Gallegos.
Celebration of life will begin with visitation on Wednesday June 12th, 2024 from 4 pm to 7 pm at Love Funeral Home with rosary being said at 7 pm. Mass of Christian burial will be at 9 am on Thursday June 13th, 2024 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. with Father Joseph Mamachan officiating. Burial will follow at Eldorado cemetery.