Malcolm Guess

After high school in Sarasota, Malcolm graduated from the University of Florida in Gainesville with a bachelor's degree. While serving his country, Malcolm continued his education and earned two master’s degrees.

Malcolm entered the United States Navy in August 1954. He served as a naval fighter pilot for 31 years. Throughout the Vietnam War, he flew the F-4 Phantom jet during multiple combat cruises in the Western Pacific. Malcolm rose to command a naval fighter squadron -- skipper of the VF-114 Aardvarks. Malcolm served on several aircraft carriers and a few shore assignments during his career, and rose in rank to Navy Captain. His commendations include the Purple Heart, Air Medal (11), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal w/2 stars, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, China Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal w/1 star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/4 stars, and Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions.

Malcolm always enjoyed outdoor activities -- from gardening to running cattle. He turned these activities into a full time vocation upon retiring from the Navy in 1985. He enjoyed traveling/camping/fishing with family and friends. Malcolm was an active member of First Baptist Church of Burnet, and never missed coffee time with his friends at the Whataburger!!!

Malcolm was married to Mary Lou (Pogue) Guess from 1955 until her passing 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.

He is survived by his wife Shirley of Burnet, sister Carmen Ireson of Sarasota, FL, son Malcolm Jr. (Mac) Guess and wife Debbie of Idaho Falls, ID, son Mike and wife Patty Guess of Burnet, stepdaughter Cindy Goble and husband Charlie, and stepdaughter Tammy Stephens and husband Larry, 12 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

The Family wishes to thank his doctors and staff of the third floor Oncology Department of St David's Round Rock Hospital for the outstanding care Malcolm was given during his final battle in life.

Funeral Services were held Saturday, February 4th, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. at the First Baptist Church with Revered Dr. Ricky Guenther officiating. Pallbearers include: R.G. Stanford, Don Glover, Marshall Reed, Roy Oakley, Tom Nall and Randy Shelburn. Honorary pallbearers named were Bob Johnson, Buck Daricek and Elton Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be sent to the First Baptist Church of Burnet - Family Life Center gym floor, or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered to www.clementswilcoxburnet.com.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home Burnet, Texas