John Gilbert VirgilioNovember 30, 1952 - September 28, 2018

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John Gilbert Virgilio, 65, of Beaumont, died September 28, 2018, at Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, Beaumont. He was born on November 30, 1952, to Rosemary Sarver Virgilio and Russell Virgilio, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. John was a United States Marine Corps veteran where he received many commendations including the Rifle Expert Badge, Pistol Sharpshooter Badge, Vietnam Service Medal W/1, Philippine Presidential Unit Commendation, National

Defense Service Medal, and Meritorious Mast. He was the longtime owner of the 19th Hole in Beaumont and served with Tiger Industries for forty years.

Survivors include his daughter, Jennifer Barber of Beaumont; former spouse, Vickie Musick; step-children, Paul Heidleberg and his wife, Marla, of Vidor; Dwayne Heidleberg of Orange; and Lori Tater and her husband, Richard, of Vidor; sisters, Beulah Kershaw and her husband, Lawrence, of Sulphur, Louisiana; Marty Atkinson and her husband, Carlos, of Panama City, Florida; and Marcia West of Lumberton; and brother, Daniel Koonce of Vidor.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Lucretia Socia and Molly Bay.

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“This is a piss pour picture of me but I wanted you to see the dog. I’m sorry to say he died about a week ago that’s why I want to

keep this. It’s the only one I’ve got. Please take care of it.”

“The gun in the rear is a 105 Howitzer. My right Bill Field. My left Story. My eye is still a little black.”

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“This is what I do for a living. It ain’t much but it sure plays hell with your mind. You can see another handset and telephone on a table. There is three more radios in

the back with the other guy.”

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“If you look close you can see my left eye is black. 3 days before we had one hell of a fight.”

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“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor

any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that

is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

~ Romans 8:38-39

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“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your

souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

~Matthew 11:28-307

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Symbols for the Folds of the FlagThe first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The fourth fold represents our weaker nature; as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace, as well as in times of war, for His divine guidance.

The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”

The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.

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The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first born.

The 11th fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost.

When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it has the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under Gen. George Washington and the sailors and Marines who served under Capt. John Paul Jones and were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the U.S. Armed Forces, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.

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Please sign Mr. Virgilio’s guest book and share your memories at www.broussards1889.com

Graveside ServiceWednesday, October 3, 2018 11:00 a.m.

Forest Lawn Memorial ParkBeaumont, Texas

Military HonorsUnited States Marine Corps

Southeast Texas Veterans Service Group