James L. Guion (Lebanon)'s Obituary
James Louis Guion, son of Joseph Clements and Lois Emily Wheeler Guion, was born July 30, 1913, in Kansas City, Missouri. He departed this life Sunday, July 6, 2014, in Mar-Saline Manor Nursing Home, in Marshall, Missouri, at the age of one hundred years, eleven months, and six days.
He was united in marriage to Nellie Gertrude Mudd, who passed away on July 1, 1993.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Edmund Guion.
Louis is survived by nieces and nephews, including Dr. Tom Brizendine, and his wife, Kathie, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; several great-nieces and great-nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, and graduated from East High School. He then attended Central Business College for one year. Louis served his country faithfully in the United States Army from January 3, 1939, until August 8, 1945, during World War II. He took part in several battles and campaigns including, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes (“Battle of the Bulge”), and Central Europe and earned many badges and medals for his service. He was especially proud to have been awarded the Bronze Star. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he returned to Kansas City, where he worked in the auto glass business. He later started the Kansas City Glass Company in downtown Kansas City with his brother and two other men. He was in that business for thirty-six years. Louis was a big fan of trout fishing, and went to Bennett Spring almost every weekend. He and Nellie purchased some land in Bennett Spring and opened Cedar Court Resort in 1964. They operated the resort until 1975, when they sold it to Larry Peace. Louis and Nellie then purchased a farm near Lebanon, where they lived for several years.
Louis joined the Eastgate Masonic Lodge in Kansas City and received his fifty year pin. After moving to the farm, Louis became interested in fox trotting horses and showed several of them throughout the years. He was a volunteer for the Lebanon Humane Society for over twenty years, and was known for his money making efforts. He would collect donations to his “Doggie Banks” in various locations across town and also picked up aluminum cans from Copeland Corporation and Wal Mart, which he recycled. All of the proceeds from these efforts went to help the animals. He had a very kind and giving heart and was always willing to help others. He was an avid fisherman for all of his life and enjoyed being outdoors, particularly caring for his cattle and horses.
Louis will be fondly remembered as a decorated soldier, a dedicated businessman, a lover of animals, and a very loving and gentle man.
Memorial donations may be made to the Lebanon Humane Society.
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