Donald E. Guard, 85, Leesburg, passed away at 6:06 p.m. Sept. 22, 2013, in Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw. He was born March 5, 1928, in Elwood, to Kenneth Robert and Esther Irene Hesler Guard. On Dec. 21, 1952, in North Webster, he married Susan Kernodle, who survives in Leesburg. They were married 61 years. He joined the United States Merchant Marine in 1944 at 16. He then served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps for 24 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. He 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 10 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, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service, San Diego, until July 1971 when he moved to North Webster, where he worked as supervisor of buildings and grounds for Bristol Meyers Company, retiring in 1985. He was a member of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, Crystal River, Fla. He also was a member of Good Sam; American Legion Post 253, North Webster; VFW Post 1342, Syracuse; Disabled American Veterans; and a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Marine Corps League. Also surviving are 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. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw, with the Rev. Dale Mendenhall officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery – Legion Circle Three with military honors by American Legion Post 253, North Webster, and U.S. Marine Corp. Calling is from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral chapel. ***** Memorials to St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, 9870 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429; or to Aaron A. Weaver Chapter 776 of Military Order of the Purple Heart, P.O. Box 1345, Lecanto, FL 34460-1345. Condolences may be sent via mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com
