Donald Gene Guard

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Donald Gene Guard of Emporia, Kansas, at the age of 93.  He died peacefully in his home.

Donald was born on January 5, 1931, in Asherville, Kansas, the son of Ralph and Ruth (Piper) Guard. He married Arleta Joan Guard-Thomas on November 4, 1951. They later divorced. On June 15, 1982, he married Marcia Boyce-Long in Wichita, Kansas. She survives the home.

Other survivors include son Gary Gene Guard, Hays, KS; daughter Gayla Leigh Guard, Merrian, KS; step-daughters Connie (Aaron) Williams, Lonetree, CO; Rhonda Hopkins, Emporia, KS; sister Barbara (Robert) Mitchell, Carlsbad, CA; grandchildren Shaun Guard, Shanna Koster, Connor Guard, Danielle Carr, Jamie Williams, Blake Williams, Bridgett Combes, Collin Hopkins, Jessica Morelock, Kyle Long; and six great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his son Gregory Gail Guard, sister Betty McGaughey, and step-sons Steven and Bryan Long.

Donald worked at Farm Bureau Insurance where he retired after 40 years as the Regional Sales Manager. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Economics at Kansas State University, and also earned his certification with American Certified Life Underwriters in San Diego in 1978. He served in the United States Army, and was a member of Kansas State University Alumni Association, The American Legion, and a member of the Flint Hills Mall Mafia.

Donald will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.  His legacy of love, hard work, and integrity will continue to inspire us.  He was a self-reliant man of his word, grounded in loyalty and traditional values.

Cremation is planned, with a graveside service Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. at Rosean Cemetery, 1227 Road 260, Emporia, Kansas, 66801.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hand-In-Hand Hospice and sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas, 66801.