David E McGuire

David was born January 7, 1926, in Springfield, Illinois, to the late Donald David McGuire and Ruth Willard Crew McGuire, formerly of Wooster, OH. He graduated from the College of Wooster in 1949 with a Bachelor’s degree in geology, and proudly served in the US Navy. David was on active duty from 1943 until the end of World War II. On April 16, 1945, he survived a kamikaze attack at Iwo Jima that killed more than 30 of his fellow sailors. David was a Seaman 1st class before joining the reserves for 7 years, and retired as a 1st Lieutenant.

David married the late Marilyn Ruecke McGuire in 1947. Following her untimely death in 1966, he met and married the late Elizabeth Wissler Krajcik in 1968, relocating to Florida in 1977. He and Betty traveled extensively to all 50 states and many countries overseas. David was Dale Carnegie instructor, owned the McGuire Heating and Air Conditioning Company in Wooster, Ohio, and founded AsCom Training Center which his son, Doug, continues in operation. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Auburndale, FL, and was a master cribbage player, conducting cribbage tournaments for many years for the Polk Senior Games in Florida. He was also a volunteer at Good Shepherd Hospice aiding veterans in their care.

He is survived by son Donald Edward McGuire (Deborah) of Kingwood, TX, son Douglas James McGuire (Linda) of Wooster, OH, daughter Rev. Beth A. McGuire (David Kersten) of Medina, OH; son David Allen Krajcik (Nancy) of Minerva, OH, daughter Meredith Cosentino (Rod) of Wooster, OH and daughter Robin Krajcik of Atlanta, GA; 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; sister Harriot Ann Coker still resides in Alachua, FL.

Arrangements are being made by Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home. Service will be held Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 316 Ariana Boulevard, Auburndale, FL 33823. Chaplain Walt Godwin from Good Shepherd Hospice will officiate. Graveside services at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell will be held Thursday, February 27, 2014 at 10am. Memorial contributions may be sent to Good Shepherd Hospice, 105 Arneson Ave. Auburndale, FL 33823 and First United Methodist Church, Auburndale.