Pedro "Pete" Guzman

Pedro "Pete" Guzman, aged 97, of Porter, TX, passed away on March 19, 2024. Born on January 6, 1927, in Corpus Christi, TX, Pete was a devoted patriot, a revered family man, and a man of deep faith.

Pete enlisted in the US Navy on September 19, 1944, dedicating 20 years to serving as an aviation structural mechanic and achieving the rank of First Class Petty Officer. His commendable military career was adorned with numerous accolades including five Good Conduct Awards, the WWII Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Award, China Service Award, and the Korean Service Award. His tours of duty took him across various locations stateside and to Korea, Japan, and the Philippines. Following his military service, Pete continued to work as a machinist at Red River Army Depot, where he retired after over 20 years.

Pete's Christian faith was a cornerstone of his life. He actively served as the chaplain for both the VFW and the American Legion in New Boston, Texas. In his personal life, Pete was known for his selflessness, joy in giving, and his legendary practical jokes. His love for fishing remained vibrant well into his 90s, and he cherished antiquing and thrift shopping, always sharing his finds. A lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan, he created cherished family memories around game watching.

Pete leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter. He is survived by Juanita Birdwell, mother to his children Hope Burks of Texarkana, Rosemarie and Tom Swindel of Porter, TX, Johnathan and Connie Guzman of Virginia Beach, VA, Jeff Brumbaugh of Atmore, AL, five grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Rafela Guzman, and sisters, Hope Diaz and Sue Evans, two grandaughters Anne Marie Brumbaugh and Rae Leigh Brumbaugh, and son Bruce Guzman.

A Celebration of Life & graveside service will be held at New Boston Cemetery, 502 South McCoy Road, New Boston, TX, on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 10:00 am. Pete's life was a testament to duty, faith, and the joy of giving, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him.