Joseph Dale Preston McGuire

Joseph Dale Preston McGuire was born on September 27, 1919 in Funks Grove, Illinois to Lawrence Patrick McGuire and Lillian Gertrude Necessary, both deceased. The Lord took him home on February 8, 2015 at the age of 95.

“Mac” was preceded in death by Alice Irvin Crawford, his wife of 68 years, and his son, William Preston McGuire. He was the second son of six boys: Lawrence (Weldon), Roy, Verne, James, and Paul. Paul being the only surviving brother lives in Bloomington, IL with his wife Rose Mary.

He is survived by his daughter-in-law, Dena McGuire; his granddaughters, April McGuire and Courtney Bagley (husband William); great-grandsons, Robert (wife Alisha) Campbell, Anthony Campbell, Dylan Campbell, and Andrew Towner; and great-great grandchildren Cailyn Campbell and Austin Parker. Appreciation is given to his caregivers; Pam, Pauline, and Marjorie, whose care allowed him to stay in his home.

During the Second World War, Joe earned the rank of Lt. Col. in the United States Army Air Corps. As a military transport pilot, he made seventy-four trips over the “hump”. After the war he kept in contact with his service friends by way of the China-Burma-India Veterans Association. While he was the State of Texas CBIVA Commander he said “There is no gathering of comrades more gratifying than the reunion of wartime buddies -- those whom fate and circumstances brought together at a critical time in our country’s history, and who, through experience shared, are bound in friendship forever.” He was employed by the National Cash Register Company and retired after 20 ½ years.

Joe was a long time parishioner of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church where he faithfully attended Saturday 5 pm mass. He was a friend to many of the parishioners and loved to share his life stories, especially to the SFdS children on Veterans’ Day. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 10995 and a 4th Degree Knight who was fond of the Lenten Fish Fry

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 beginning at 6 PM with a rosary at 7:00 pm at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 8200 Roos Road, Houston, TX . A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, February 12, 2015. Burial will be at 1:30 pm on Thursday, February 12, 2015 at Houston National Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Joe’s name to K of C Council 10995 or SFdS Society of St. Vincent de Paul.