Thomas John Guess

Thomas John Guess (Tom, Coach Guess) was born to Ethyl Galloway Guess and Mark Herbert Guess on February 19, 1932. He departed this earth for his Heavenly home on May 24, 2019. Upon graduating from high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served his country for four years during the Korean War in the Philippines, Guam, and South Korea. When he returned to Louisiana, he earned a degree in Industrial Arts and Math Education at Northwestern State University, becoming a first generation college graduate. Not only did he get a degree, but met his sweetheart, Peggy Buckley, who became his wife for the next 58 years. For 32 years, Tom lived out his passion for children as a teacher, coach, and administrator. His desire to see young people succeed, especially those who were struggling, was evident in the time and energy he poured into his students. Demonstrating his commitment to education he continued his own, completing a Master of Education and an additional plus 30. During his years as an educator, he developed an interest in cattle farming. Upon his retirement in 1990, he pursued that interest while continuing his mentorship of young men on the Happy G Ranch. Tom Guess loved his family. He rarely missed an opportunity to mention his children, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren. He delighted in reading a book, telling a story, playing a game of dominoes, and riding out on the farm on an ATV. Most importantly, he desired to leave a spiritual legacy, encouraging each to seek their Heavenly Father in all aspects of life. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” 2 Timothy 4:7 Left to cherish his memory: wife, Peggy Guess; his son, Jonathan (Mary) Guess of Pineville, La and his daughters, Ammi (Don) Schillinger of Ruston, La and Emily (William) Morrison of Natchitoches, La; his grandchildren, Tara (Matthew) Stone of Ruston, La, Nicole (Austin) Payne of Many, La, Taylor (Chase) Borden of Tyler, Tx, Andrew Guess of Pineville, La, Madison Kaufman of Ruston, La, Rachel (Paul) Roberts of Dry Prong, La, Bradford Morrison of Natchitoches, La, and William Morrison Natchitoches, La; his great-grandchildren, Audrey, Samuel and Elizabeth Stone, and AJ and Gentry Payne; his brother, Jack (Carolyn) Guess of Shreveport, La and sister Sue Powell of Haughton, La. Heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of Natchitoches for their compassionate care in the last few weeks of his life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace New Testament Baptist Church Mission Fund or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Visitation will be Monday, May 27 at 5 pm. Funeral service will be Tuesday, May 28 at 10 am. Both will be at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home.