David Ray Guevara Sr. (89 yrs young) was taken far before his time on April 2nd 2024 in Mesa. AZ. He was doing what he loved, riding his “Lowboy” Elec Chopper Scooter. Photo is just before he took off on his Last Ride APR 2nd.
Born August 17th, 1934 in Jackson, MS, to Ray and Lola Guevara. Dave lived his rambunctious young life in St Louis, MO with his five siblings Joanne, Ellen, Carlos, Dennis and Jimmy. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in combat in the Korean War. After one enlistment, he transferred to the US Air Force and travelled and served many tours both in the US and abroad. While serving in the Air Force, (3 of his 4) sons were born, David Ray Jr, Anthony Brian and Andre Joseph. They would be joined by their adopted brother Kevin Tyrone, the youngest. He was so very proud of his boys. All different, all with very different skills, and all shared a separate and unique relationship with their father. Anthony (2nd born) unfortunately passed in 1990. Dave is survived by David, Andre, Kevin and a host of grandchildren and great grand – children whom he adored and adored him.
He retired after 20 years of military service. And vowed to never work for anyone again and did not. Starting with insurance, he morphed into a financial planner (before there was such a thing) providing many real estate, insurance and investment options and services.
He was involved with numerous organizations and community activities such as the Shriners, 32nd deg Mason, Elks, Lyons, Moose, VFW, American Legion, Jaycees, Sertoma, and more. He received numerous awards and recognition for his business and community endeavors. He was proud of these yet never sought or expected accolades or reward.
Upon his second retirement in 1989, Dave attacked life with zeal and vigor, enjoying everything and everybody. In retirement, he ultimately acquired the perfect combination of Mountain, Desert and Beach properties and created a legacy that is and will be enjoyed by the Guevara family and friends for generations to come. He however never forgot to help those in need along the way and did so. The people he helped along this journey are too numerous to list.
Dave was strong willed and knew what he wanted. He could be stubborn, but he also had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. He was generous, loyal, and brave. He was clever and full to the brim with knowledge gained through his life experiences: military, world traveler, businessman, and world class tinkerer. He could fix or build anything, or had the parts laying around to do it. He loved projects with his sons. He never “complained”, he “explained”!
Dave will be remembered by the numerous people who knew him for all the heart, humor, kindness and unlimited stories he shared with his friends. His immediate and extended family will remember him for who he always was to them; Brother, Uncle, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, sage, comedian, teacher, mentor and for being the “most interesting man in the world”, He truly loved each of them – and if you knew him, you knew it. He carried himself with dignity, strength, love, and most importantly, grace. He will be missed dearly, but the lessons he taught us all and legacy he leaves behind will continue. To summarize these past many years, wherever Dave Guevara went, even for a little bit, were a little bit brighter and the people he was blessed to interact with were all just a little bit happier.
With so many people to consider in multiple locations, no services are planned. A celebration of life will occur in CO and AZ at a later date to allow for maximum participation with details to be determined. OOH RAH SGT Guevara and Fair Winds and Following Seas. May your continuing journey with all those who came before you be as exciting as the one you lived so richly on earth.
Dave was a dear Friend! He was kind, generous , fun, caring, and a fabulous Dancer. I loved doing the jitterbug with him. Dave had many friends that loved him. He was always ready to help. I will miss him so much. It wasn’t unusual for me to be with him 3 to 5 times a week. God bless you Dave …..RIP.
He will be missed by many.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of David’s family. So very sorry for your loss.
With deepest sympathy,
Tom and Linda Shaw (Friends of Joanne)
Dave was one of the nicest people. He had such a giving heart and a great sense of humor.
We will miss his visits, his smile, and his thoughtful ways.
God’s blessings to your family.
Dave was one of the nicest people. He had such a giving heart and a great sense of humor. We will miss his visits, his smile, and his thoughtful ways.
God’s blessings to your family
What a joy and bountiful pleasure to have known and experienced the many faceted Dave in our Silveridge family. The obituary truly captured Dave’s unique and abundant great qualities. My husband and I saw a lot of Dave on the golf course, at Elks, Silveridge dances, condo, etc. Like a beautiful energetic butterfly, Dave was everywhere–never landing for long– had places to go, joy to spread, and cashews to deliver for Shriners. A TREASURE knowing gifted Dave!!!
We were blessed to know David through renting from him at Silveridge. He was kind, generous, and full of life. We will miss seeing him. Praying for God’s comfort for Dave’s family.