Thomas Edward Guzman

Thomas Edward Guzman, 51, entered eternal rest on Wednesday May 11, 2016 surrounded by his beloved wife and children. Thomas was born to Richard and Irene Guzman in Orange, California on March 10, 1965. Thomas was a Class of 1983 graduate at Gilbert High in Anaheim, CA. Immediately after graduation, Mr. Guzman joined the United States Army. His service as a combat medic took him many places and it was in Texas where he met his beloved wife, Helen, 30 years ago.

For 20 years, Thomas proudly served his country all over the world including in war time, during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Guzman earned many awards and decorations including the Army Commendation Medal (3 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (11 OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), National Defense Service Medal (12th Award) and the Valorous Unit Award.

Thomas retired from the Army with the 21st Field Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, TX on November 30, 2003. Even after his retirement, Thomas felt compelled to continue his lifelong service towards the military and its soldiers as a Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer (PEBLO) at the IDES clinic on Fort Hood. Mr. Guzman had such a strong passion for his work and made a lasting impact to all those that he served.

Thomas was a man of many hobbies and had a passion for the outdoors and music. He enjoyed working in his yard, going to concerts with family and friends, traveling and was an avid animal lover. He was a lifetime fan of the Los Angeles area sports teams including the Lakers, Rams, Angels and the Trojans. His love for intramural sports influenced his children, and he actively supported them by attending and coaching their various sporting activities.

In addition to his grandparents, Thomas was preceded in death by his father, Richard Guzman and his two brothers Sean and Vincent Guzman. He is survived by his beloved wife, Helen Katharina Guzman; three children : Elizabeth Threlkeld and her husband, Chad & daughter, Autumn Rose of Converse,TX, Kyrie Rojo and her husband, Alex of Weselberg, Germany, and only son, Richard Arthur Thomas Guzman of Killeen, TX; his mother, Irene Guzman; his two sisters, Emily Castro and April Guzman. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Elisabeth Polchinski; many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins whom he loved very much.

Mr. Guzman had a special place in his heart for his IDES team and soldiers.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 20, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Inurnment will follow at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery. Please visit www.crawfordbowersfuneralhome.com for online tributes.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Thomas Edward Guzman to:

Foundation of the 1st Cavalry Division Association

302 N. Main Street

Copperas Cove, TX 76522