Donald E. Guard

Donald E. Guard, 85 of Leesburg, Indiana passed away at 6:06 pm on Sunday, September 22, 2013 in Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw. On March 5, 1928, he was born in Elwood, Indiana to Kenneth Robert and Esther Irene (Hesler) Guard. He married Susan Kernodle on December 21, 1952 in North Webster, Indiana, who survives. Donald joined the United States Merchant Marine in 1944 at the age of 16. He then served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps, for twenty four years, retiring as First Sergeant. He served during World War II, The Korean Conflict and the Vietnam Conflict. He enlisted in 1944 and was honorably discharged in 1969. Donald received several medals during his service, including the Purple Heart from wounds suffered at Chosin Reservoir in Korea; the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal of Valor for his courageous action under fire in Korea and a second award of heroism under fire during “Operation Ripper”. He also received the Bronze Star Medal of Valor. Within ten days later, he received his second Purple Heart and the Silver Star for his leadership and gallantry in action. Following his retirement from the military, Don worked for the U.S. Postal Service, San Diego until July of 1971 when he moved to North Webster, Indiana where he worked as Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds for Bristol Meyers Company, retiring in 1985. Donald was a member of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, Crystal River, Florida. He also was a member of Good Sam, American Legion Post #253, North Webster, V.F.W Post #1342, Syracuse, Disabled American Veterans and a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Marine Corps League. He is survived by his wife of sixty one years, Susan Guard, Leesburg; three daughters, Peggy (and spouse Dale) Custer, Milford; Cheryl (and spouse Rick) Rutter, Warsaw and Cathy (and spouse Dale) Mendenhall, Muncie; eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Jacqueline Marx. A memorial service will be at 2:00 pm Saturday, October 5, 2013 at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw with Reverend Dale Mendenhall officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery - Legion Circle Three with military honors by American Legion Post #253, North Webster. Visitation will be from 1:00 – 2:00 pm Saturday, October 5, 2013 at the funeral chapel. Memorial contributions are to be made to St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, 9870 West Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, Florida 34429 or to Aaron A. Weaver Chapter 776 of Military Order of the Purple Heart, P.O. Box 1345, Lecanto, Florida 34460-1345.