Roy Guerrero

With profound sadness and deep gratitude for a life of service, we announce the passing of Roy Guerrero, who departed peacefully on July 15, 2026, at the age of 98, awaited by his loving family with our heavenly father.

Born on August 8th,1927 in Winslow, Arizona. Roy proudly answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in the mid 1940’s during the height of WWII. Over the course of an extraordinary 27-year military career, he rose through the enlisted ranks to achieve the distinguished rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant (E9), 1st Marine Division and 3rd Marine Division. He also served in WWII-China for 3 years, Korean War, and Vietnam War for multiple tours. His leadership, technical expertise, and steadfast dedication to the Marine Corps under his charge earned him the respect and admiration of fellow Marines throughout his career.

Although deeply proud of his military career, Roy’s greatest source of pride was his family. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Lala Chavez-Guerrero, and a loving father to Dorothy Guerrero-Boxell, David Guerrero, Steven (Rocky) Guerrero, Shirley Guerrero-Sundly, and Art Guerrero.

Following his retirement from the Marine Corps, Roy continued serving others through becoming the District Credit Manager for the local Escondido Sears Department for 20+ years. He then retired and went back to serving his community to help the children of Escondido and worked at the Escondido School District for a period of time at Central Elementary School and Grant Middle School now known as Mission Middle School.

Roy will be remembered not only for his remarkable military accomplishments but for his quiet strength, unwavering loyalty, generous heart, and steadfast faith. His wisdom, humility, and sense of duty inspired countless individuals throughout his lifetime.

He is survived by his children David Guerrero and Shirley Guerrero-Sundly; his grandchildren, Jason Boxell, Mathew Boxell, Drew Sundly and Valerie Sundly; his Great-Grandchildren Isaiah Ramos and Elijah Ramos.

Roy’s viewing will be held on Monday August 3rd at 3:30 pm located at 1919 East Valley Pkwy Escondido CA, 92027 McLeod Mortuary. Church Services will soon follow the next day on Tuesday August 4th at 10:00amlocated at 1445 Conway Dr, Escondido CA 92027 at Resurrection Church. Final resting place will be at 2640 Glenridge Rd, Escondido CA 92027 at Oak Hill Memorial Park. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of a life lived with honor, purpose, and unwavering devotion to God, family, and country back at Resurrection Church after Roy is laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests no financial donations be made to the family directly. Donations can be placed to his 2 charities that were near and dear to his heart which were Wounded Warriors Project and Rady Children's Hospital Foundation or to any veterans' organization or charity of your choice in Roy and Lala Guerrero's behalf.

Master Gunnery Sergeant Roy Guerrero’s legacy of service, leadership, sacrifice, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Though he has received his final orders, his watch has ended with honor, and his memory will forever remain an inspiration.

"Semper Fidelis"—Always Faithful.