Lewis Preston McGuire

1921 - 2018

LEWIS PRESTON MCGUIRE Lewis Preston McGuire was born on April 7, 1921 in Lenna, Oklahoma. He was the son of Louis and Blanch McGuire. He was the only son, surrounded by 3 sisters Dathel, Lauraine and his younger sister Wilma. He spent most of his childhood near Lenna, Oklahoma where his father was a farmer and a World War I Veteran. Like most farm children of that time he learned early the difficult life of farming. As a result, his education and farming responsibilities were heavily intertwined. Community activities and church led Lewis to meet the Love of his life, Lillie Elizabeth Lee. They were married on August 28, 1940, and settled on a small farm near Lenna where they lived in a rustic log cabin and bore their first child Jerry in in 1942. They moved to California in 1944 originally settling near Lemoore, Ca where most of their immediate families had already relocated. Their move to California resulted in Lewis being drafted into the Army. He served with the U.S. Army in Japan during the U.S. occupation phase as a mechanic and received an Honorable Discharge. Lillie followed Lewis wherever he was stationed while state side. Following his discharge the family continued to live in Lemoore and Hanford California near their relatives and friends. During that time two additional boys were born, Ronald and Robert McGuire. The family now consisted of Lewis, Lillie and the "three boys", Jerry, Ron and Bob. After the service Lewis became a successful millwright carpenter and worked in Lemoore and Hanford. In the fall of 1955 he was offered a foreman's position in Chico for C.O. Kinney Construction and the family relocated. Chico was Lewis' home. He served as a supervisor for a variety of construction companies in Chico, Oroville and Willows, before venturing out as an independent Building Contractor. His legacy as a home builder is wide spread throughout the north valley area. Chico, Durham, Paradise, Oroville, Willows, Orland and Elk Creek all bear witness to his handy-work. Lewis was instrumental in building the Church of Christ on the corner of Lassen and Burnap Avenues, where he proudly served as an Elder for over 40 years. Lewis was a devoted Christian and is often remembered for his "down to earth" carrying and understanding for others. Lewis and Lillie were blessed with their 3 children, 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He and Lillie's life was enriched with family gatherings and their delight was having all the "kids" at home for special family gatherings and holidays. During their seventy two years of marriage Lewis and Lillie were travelers. They traveled and camped with their family and friends until traveling was no longer practical. They "tent and trailer camped" throughout California and most of the western United States and Canada. Lewis was an avid fisherman, brought up his boy's doing the same and always traveled with his fishing pole. He loved to chase steelhead, perfected the art of tying Glow-Bugs and was always looking for the next drift. The Potato Patch, Gurnsey Creek, Hat Creek, The Smith River, Patrick's Point, Rogue River and the Oregon Coast were some of their favorites. Wherever they went Lewis and Lillie would always travel to the nearest church for Sunday services. They traveled with family, they traveled with friends. They slept on the ground and they slept in the comfort of their travel trailer, but they always traveled with the Lord by their side. On March 28, 2018 Lewis made his final and most wonderful journey to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He has been reunited with Lillie and sleeps peacefully in the arms of Jesus. To View online and leave condolences for the family please go to NewtonBracewell.Com.