Muliau "Papi" Afuvai

Muliau Polo Afuvai, affectionately known as "Papi", died peacefully in his Blue Springs, Missouri home on Saturday, August 24th, 2024.

His sweetheart of 58 years, Lautolo "Nana" Afuvai, preceded him in death on December 11th, 2023. Their 59th wedding anniversary, which Papi celebrated with family, was just four days before his passing. Papi missed Nana tremendously in the eight months and four days they were apart. He even wrote her love letters during this time. Knowing they are together again is such a great comfort to their family.

Still, they are both sorely missed. 

Papi was born January 27, 1928, in Aua, American Samoa. He was the youngest of a blended family of ten children to parents Polofa'asoa Savaiinaea Afuvai and Vaitofiga Leota Ma'ata. Sadly, Papi's father died not long after his birth. He would be taken to the village of Solosolo, Samoa, where he was lovingly adopted and raised by dear relatives, Tu'iatupo Pulepule and Polataia Leniu Pulepule. 

Papi always had a love of music and a desire to study it. This desire would one day be fulfilled when an opportunity came to study music in the village of Sauniatu, Samoa. It was there where he became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in October 1955. A year later, he would embark on an experience of a lifetime by serving as a Labor Missionary from October 1956 to October 1963. His mission would take him to Aitutaki, Cook Islands; Pesega, Samoa; and Laie, Hawaii...building churches and other construction for the church, which included the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Following Papi's mission, he ventured to the United States, where he met and married the love of his life, Lautolo "Nana" Afuvai, in 1965 in the LDS Temple at Oakland, California. They made their home in San Francisco, California and started a family. In 1978, they moved their family to South San Francisco where, many years later, they would be blessed with three grandchildren. 

In 1997, Papi and Nana moved to Blue Springs, Missouri with three grandchildren to care for. They loved raising and supporting them in all of their activities such as karate, soccer, and football. Life would later bring great-grandchildren. Papi enjoyed telling them stories about his life growing up in the islands and his great-grandchildren loved hearing them. Stories that are now treasured forever. 

Papi was passionate when it came to serving the Lord. He served faithfully in many church callings. His most cherished calling of all was serving with Nana as Sacred Ordinance Temple Workers in the LDS Temples at Oakland, St. Louis, and Kansas City.

Papi retired from Bank of America. His work experience there included working in the vault in the downtown San Francisco corporate office as well as working as a traveling teller at various branches in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Papi's hobbies included singing (he was blessed with a beautiful baritone voice), journaling, and cooking. Papi's cooking was easily Food Network-worthy. 

Papi knew no strangers. He loved easily, wholeheartedly, and unconditionally. Anyone who met Papi for the first time or who knew Papi can testify how special he made them feel. Our hearts will forever hold special memories of his laughter, smile, and hugs.

He is survived by his two children, Ammaron Afuvai, Sr. (Lemasino) and Amara Afuvai-Jimenez (Eric); 17 grandchildren, Tulei, LaNika, Ammaron, Jr., Lia, Liandra, William, Merscede, Marti, Mosese, Megan, Iofi, Amona, Devyn, Jazzy, Enshar, Hannah, and Roman; and 19 great grandchildren, Eugene, Emunah, Eliana, Leilani, Khalia, Amara, Amina, Lyric, Elena, Malosi, Lola, Will, Jr., Sunia, Sandra, Noa, Oso, Clementine, Elifasa, Noni, and (coming soon) Asa Toafa.