Michael Charles Guthrie

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Michael C. Guthrie, who departed this life on Friday, July 11, 2025, after a tenacious ten-month battle with cancer. Through his unwavering strength, he held tightly to hope-hoping for more time with those he loved most, another round of golf and to see the Cincinnati Reds in the World Series (at least the playoffs!)
Born in Huntington, West Virginia, on February 8, 1947, Mike was the son of the late John Vernon and Phyllis Mercedes (nee Ransbottom) Guthrie. He was a devoted husband (& ultimately caregiver) to two extraordinary women: the late Carmen Guthrie (30 years) and his second wife, the late Karen (Dunn) Guthrie (10 years). His love and dedication to family was evident in every role he embraced: Brother, Husband, Father, Papaw, and Friend.
Mike is survived by his cherished daughter, Valerie Guthrie; his brother, Rick (Kim) Guthrie; 3 bonus sons: Corey (Melissa), Branden, and Derek (Cynthia) Dunn; and 10 bonus grandchildren: Taylor "Tink," Logan, Cali, Casen, Payton, Jackson, Cameron, Kian, Carson, and Caden. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers Johnny and Pat Guthrie, and sisters Dreama Sexton and DeeDee Ryder.
A proud patriot, Michael served his country honorably as a Sergeant in the United States Army. He was assigned to C Troop, 7/17th Air Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division. His military journey began with Basic Training in Fort Knox, KY, Field Artillery training in Fort Still, Oklahoma and Jump School in Fort Benning, GA. He was ultimately stationed at Fort Campbell, KY before serving in Vietnam. His service spanned from July 1966 to July 1969, a legacy of bravery and commitment.
When returning stateside after the war, Mike put his acquired Army skills of electronics, communications and a knack to literally fix anything into a lifelong career with the Railroad. Starting in Huntington, he would eventually move his family due to promotions and various mergers of the railways from West Virgina, Virgina and finally Ohio. Ultimately, Mike settled down in Cincinnati as Electrical Engineer of Signals Division at CSX Transportation, Queensgate.
Beyond work and service, he was a member of the Norwood Masonic Lodge #576, an avid golfer, an enthusiastic supporter of the Cincinnati Reds & Bengals and local universities (Miami, Xavier and UC). On sunny days, he would enjoy riding his Harley motorcycle along the banks of the Ohio River or taking in the views of the city from behind the wheel of his Vette. He lived life with passion and humor, and his love for family brought joy to every chapter of his journey.
Mike passed surrounded by the love of his family - his final breath a reflection of a life well lived, marked by resilience, honor, and heart.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 25th from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service along with Masonic Rites at 1:00 p.m., both at Strawser Funeral Home, 9503 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242. Burial with full military honors will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Huntington Honor Flight (honorflighthuntington.org), Cancer Family Care of Cincinnati (cancerfamilycare.org), Kid Glove/Reds Community Fund (reds.com/KidGlove) or Norwood Lodge #575 Scholarship Fund (norwoodlodge576.org) Online condolences may be shared at www.strawserfuneralhome.com.