Obituary of John Cullen Fernandez

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, retired Army Sgt. Major John "Butch" Cullen Fernandez of Marina, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2017, surrounded by his family. "Butch" John Cullen Fernandez was a proud 32 year Army veteran who served with the 82nd Airborne Division, the 25th Infantry Division, 1st Special Forces (ABN), 3rd Special Forces (ABN), 5th Special Forces (ABN) - Vietnam, Special Forces Detached to Korea and Thailand, 4th ROTC Region - University of Davis, 2nd Infantry Division Korea, 7th Infantry Division, G3, Ford Ord. He retired as the Post Sgt. Major at Fort Ord. He has been awarded numerous commendations including the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster for Valor, the Combat Infantry Badge, Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Viet Nam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, the Air Medal, the Purple Heart and an Army Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf clusters to name a few. He was also named Veteran of the Year in 2015. After serving his country, Butch served as a JROTC instructor at Seaside High School for 20+ years. In 2017, Butch and his wife Lei were named Marina's Man and Woman of the year for their numerous contributions to their city. He was heavily involved in the annual City of Marina Veteran's day parade and could be seen driving his 1926 Ford Phaeton in the parade with his wife and grandsons as well as at numerous local car shows. He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Letittia "Lei" Ko'omakawailani and daughters Dawn Nawahine Camacho (Joe) of West Hills, Pat-Lynn Maliawahinekeli'iokamalu Cullen Jaurigue (Steve) of Salinas and Letittia (Sukoshi) Leina'ala Moana (Pat) of Marina. He is preceded in death by son Bryson Ka'alaiki Fernandez (Reiko) of Wai'ahole, Hawaii. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren - Brandi, Ramie, Bryan, Joey, Keoni, Kaulana, Po'okela, and Koapaka and 8 great-grandchildren - Robbie, Sina, Sarina, Sunny, Brynn, Brayson, Logan and Eden. A viewing and farewell will be held at 5 pm on Wednesday, December 6th at Mission Mortuary in Monterey. A Mass in his honor will be held at St. Jude's Parish in Marina at 11 am on Thursday, December 7th. A memorial and burial will take place in Hawaii at a future date.