Robert Lee Masten

United States Army, Retired

December 21, 1941 – April 7, 2025

Sergeant Major Robert Lee Masten, U.S. Army (Retired), beloved husband, father, grandfather, and patriot, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025. He was born on December 21, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, to Robert W. Masten of Ludington, Michigan, and Phyllis L. Masten of Manistee, Michigan. The eldest of six children, Robert grew up with four brothers and one sister. His father was also retired from the U.S. Army, and his mother was a professional dance teacher.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers Edward E. Masten and Donald T. Masten. He is survived by his best friend and devoted wife of 63 years, Shirley Gunsolley Masten of Plattsmouth, Nebraska; son Terry (Christine); daughter Tonja (Janice); grandchildren Kaitlin, Tyler, and Olivia; brothers Jack (Kathy) and Ron (Sandy); sister Cheryl; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Robert enlisted in the U.S. Army two weeks after graduating from MacArthur High School in San Antonio and served for 30 years. His military career focused on what is now known as Human Resources, allowing him to work closely with various branches of the Army, including Medical, Infantry, Signal, and Air Defense. He also completed a tour at the Pentagon. His overseas assignments included Vietnam, two tours in Korea, France, and two tours in Germany. A graduate of the Sergeants Major Academy, Robert received numerous honors throughout his career. These included the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal 10th Award, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm.

After retiring from the Army, Robert earned a BBA in Human Resource Management from UTSA, using his GI Bill. He went on to work for 13 years at USAA as a bodily injury claims adjuster.

Robert was also deeply committed to serving his community. He volunteered for the first three San Antonio Rock & Roll Marathons and served as President of the Board of Directors for the Canyons of Stone Oak HOA for five years. His true passion, however, was supporting veterans.

He was a lifetime member of both the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the American Legion Post 10. At Post 10, he served eight years as Adjutant and five years as Commander. He also held leadership roles in the American Legion’s 20th District (which includes all of Bexar County), serving as Vice Commander for two years and District Commander for two more. Under his leadership, the 20th District achieved 100% membership in 2015 and 2016. In 2016, he was named Top District Commander. He later served as Commander of the 3rd Division—the largest in Texas—for 2019–2021 and earned the title of Top Division Commander in 2021.

In 2010, Robert organized the “Veterans Roll Call,” an annual Memorial Day event at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery where the names of veterans interred over the past year are read aloud. He also led the 20th District’s BBQ serving line for the annual Fisher House birthday celebration and helped organize the American Legion Comfort Warrior Event at Six Flags Fiesta Texas for wounded warriors and their families. He was instrumental in the creation and installation of The Department of Texas American Legion Memorial Monument, unveiled on July 14, 2018, next to the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center in San Antonio as part of the Legion’s 100th anniversary. He was a generous mentor to new Legionnaires and took great joy in supporting emerging post officers.

Services will be held at Sunset Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 29. Visitation will take place Monday, April 28, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. Funeral services begin at 9:00 a.m., with interment immediately following at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:

American Legion Post 10

P.O. Box 591046

San Antonio, TX 78259-1046