Malcolm N. Guess
Malcolm N. Guess, 81, of Burnet died Feb. 1, 2012. He was born in Sarasota, Fla., on April 13, 1930, to parents Arthur Allen and Thelma (Tucker) Guess.
After high school in Sarasota, he graduated from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Fla., with a bachelor’s degree. While serving his country, he continued his education and earned two master’s degrees.
He entered the Navy in August 1954. He was a naval fighter pilot for 31 years. Serving in the Vietnam War, he flew the F-4 Phantom jet during multiple combat cruises in the Western Pacific. He rose to command a naval fighter squadron — skipper of the VF-114 Aardvarks.
He served on several aircraft carriers and a few shore assignments during his career, and rose to captain.
His commendations include the Purple Heart, Air Medal (11), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with two stars, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, China Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal with one star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four stars, and Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions.
He always enjoyed outdoor activities — from gardening to running cattle. He turned these activities into a full-time vocation after retiring from the Navy in 1985. He enjoyed traveling, camping and fishing with family and friends.
He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Burnet, and never missed coffee time with his friends at the Whataburger.
He was married to Mary Lou (Pogue) Guess from 1955 until she died in 1993. He married Shirley (Schlomach) Guess in 1995 and lived a wonderful, happy, event-filled life in Burnet with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, survivors include sister Carmen Ireson of Sarasota, Fla., son Malcolm Jr. “Mac” Guess and wife Debbie of Idaho Falls, Idaho; son Mike and wife Patty Guess of Burnet; stepdaughter Cindy Goble and husband Charlie; stepdaughter Tammy Stephens and husband Larry; 12 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
The family thanks the doctors and staff of the third floor Oncology Department of St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center in Round Rock.
A funeral service was Feb. 4 at the First Baptist Church of Burnet with the Rev. Dr. Ricky Guenther officiating.
Pallbearers included R.G. Stanford, Don Glover, Marshall Reed, Roy Oakley, Tom Nall and Randy Shelburn.
Honorary pallbearers were Bob Johnson, Buck Daricek and Elton Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to the First Baptist Church of Burnet -Family Life Center gym floor, or a charity of choice. Condolences may be offered to www.clementswilcoxburnet.com.
Funeral arrangements by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 306 Texas 29 East in Burnet, (512) 756-2222.