Verdon Myron McGuire of Parker, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2024, at the age of 81. He was born on February 20, 1943, in Toledo, Oregon. Verdon was part of a Navy family and spent much of his youth traveling to various bases, including those in Hawaii and San Diego.
In his youth, Verdon enjoyed scouting, team sports, and socializing. He was even elected as Class President in High School. Verdon’s journey of service began early when he joined the Navy after high school. He proudly served for four years, primarily with the Pacific Fleet on the USS Los Angeles and concluding on the USS Saint Paul. He achieved the rank of Gunners Mate 3rd Class and earned a place on the Navy Rifle Team—a source of immense pride for him.
While in the Navy, he married Dora Martinez in 1962, and in 1968 they welcomed their son, Shawn. Four years later, his daughter, Melissa, was born. His family expanded with his subsequent marriage to Sandra, and he became a loving father to her daughters: Debra Lynne, Leesa, Jacqueline, and Jennifer.
A man of remarkable intelligence and drive, Verdon transitioned from logging as a choke setter in the forests of Oregon to a successful career in engineering and sales in Texas. His work with prominent companies such as Raytheon, Bell Helicopter, Lockheed Martin, and General Dynamics highlighted his expertise and innovation. Verdon retired as an independent sales representative for casting and forging manufacturers, a role that also supported his children and helped them find their own paths.
Outside of his professional life, Verdon was passionate about golf, hunting, and fishing. He enjoyed playing Bridge and Pinochle and had a special talent for Karaoke, which he showcased as the lead singer of the Windchats, a band he formed with friends in Hawaii during high school. His love for coaching was evident in his dedication to recruiting and mentoring players for his Arlington Blue Devils Pee Wee football team, many of whom went on to earn scholarships and pursued their education and dreams thanks to his guidance. Verdon’s enthusiasm for football was matched by his unwavering support for the Oregon Ducks.
Verdon will be remembered fondly as a devoted husband, father, and friend. He will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the hearts of his loved ones.
Verdon is survived by Sandra McGuire of Parker, Texas; children: Shawn and Jennifer McGuire of Rowlette, Texas; Melissa and Jeff Purdin of Allen, Texas; Leesa and Steve Mansen of Arlington, Texas, Jacqueline Curtis of Santa Fe, New Mexico; grandchildren: Tabitha, Tiffany, Mark, Matt, Shawn, Christopher, Ambur, Trey, Demi, Athena, Gretchen, Megan, Katie, and Zachary; great-grandchildren: Jacob, Kailyn, Kelly, Sebastian, Zavier, Aiden, Madalyn, Ava, Amelia, Etta Rose and Kaylynn; great-great-grandchild: Brinnley; through Foreign Exchange: Karine Fontrier and daughter, Lou of Paris, France; sisters, Vicki [Robert] Eckstrom of Portland, Oregon; Mikel Swain of Oak Grove, Oregon; Verdene McGuire of Portland, Oregon, and numerous other loving family and cherished friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thelmarie (Polly) Highland, Verdon Lewis and Ann McGuire; brother, Marvin McGuire; sister, Sherry McGuire, and daughter, Debra Lynne Elkins.
A funeral service will be held at 4:00 pm, Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Verdon’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/verdon-myron-mcguire.
The family will receive friends during a visitation on Wednesday afternoon one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 22, 2024 at Ridgeview Memorial Park, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.
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