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Richard Guerra Obituary
SPRINGFIELD - Richard Ruben Guerra, 52, of Springfield passed away Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, at Memorial Medical Center.
He was born in Chicago on Nov. 12, 1956, to Ruben and Carmen (Florez) Guerra. He married Michelle Burgess in 2005 in Springfield. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Richard was employed by the State of Illinois. He was a member of Calvary Temple. He was a lifelong advocate for people with disabilities and contributed his input for changing federal laws for persons with disabilities (ADA). He was appointed by Governor Jim Edgar to the Illinois Council for Persons with Disabilities. He was a motorcycle enthusiast, skydiver, scuba diver and painter. He enjoyed working out, swimming and was a silver medalist in the National Wheelchair Games. An accomplished musician, he loved singing and his conga drums. Richard was the renowned author of the book "Four Balls and Walking." He enjoyed painting and loved nature. He was a loving husband and amazing Poppy. He was an avid lover of life and of God.
He is survived by his wife, Michelle; a daughter, Aria Rose Guerra of Springfield; a brother, David Navarro of Elk River, MN; five sisters, Sandra Aguilar of West Chicago, Cindi (Ray) Guerra-Martinez of Phoenix, AZ, Monica (Bill) Bennett of Oak Forest, Margo (Tom) Mueller of Dongola, and Rebecca Dawson of St. Charles; an uncle, Pompao Florez of Oswego; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until the time of a funeral service at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009, at Calvary Temple, with the Rev. Mark Johnson officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family of Richard R. Guerra care of United Community Bank, 617 Bruns Lane, Springfield, IL 62702.
Visit www.vancilmurphy.com to offer your condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Guerra
Nissi
November 7, 2009
My Dearest UNCS:
I love you so much uncs, and miss you deeply. Not only were you my UNCS, but when my daddy died when I was only nine years old, you were my father figure on earth, not just to me, but to Des and Vin also. Not only an earthly father/UNCS figure, but a spiritual father to us most of all. You were always there for us and for me as my prayer partner and so much more. To some you may have been in a wheel chair however, to me you walked with power, GODS power, HIS LOVE for all and to all.... I know your happier than ever now, your in the eternal kingdom with our true father, in the biggest house of all!!! See you there one day UNCS until then...I LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND....PEACE
Your niece NISSI
Sabdra Aguilar
November 5, 2009
My beloved brother loved life. But now he is no longer suffering and is without pain; and he is walking with my mother and father. I will miss him, but he will forever be in my memories.
Vee Luz
November 5, 2009
There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle. Uncle Rich lived as if everything is a miracle. One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: that word is love. Aunt Michele, your love helped free him from the weight and pain of life. God Bless you always.
Debbie Black
November 4, 2009
Michelle & daughter
We are with you in thought, and it is with deep symapathy that we write this note of condolence.
Make the Lord give you peace
Debbie & Mary Black
Alex
November 3, 2009
I met him for our Delta Sigma Omicron our disblities awareness group at UIS, He was a wonderful person, always positive.
Paula Kopp
November 3, 2009
Michelle,
Your husband will be sadly missed. He was a great inspiration when I would see him at church. He didn't let his disabilities slow him down for the Lord. He showed us all he loved the Lord and served him. What a testimony.
Paula Kopp (Information Booth worker)
Andrea Cumming
November 3, 2009
Michelle,
I was so shocked to learn of Richards passing. I had the wonderful pleasure of taking care of him at MMC 4g. He was such a warm and caring individual, and I feel blessed getting to know you both. Michelle, you and your family will be in my prayers.
All my love,
Andrea Cumming RN
Gail Lopez
November 2, 2009
Michelle and family, My prayers are with you all. My what Richard meant to me I have a hard time saying. He was so powerful in life and he never knew a stranger. He was wonderful to my kids and they have such wonderful memories-with Richard you always felt peaceful when talking with him but boy did he have a great personality-he always made you feel special. I am lucky enough to have one of his beautiful paintings that I treasure. I can only say I love you Richard and I will miss you. Richard I will close this like you always ended a conversation. PEACE---
Rachel and Nate
November 2, 2009
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Richard will be missed by us at the Restore.
Sug Lofland
November 2, 2009
Michelle, I am so sorry to hear about your sorrow. Even though I only met you's once, it was a Blessing right to my heart. I felt like God touched my heart that day through Richard and you. I feel like I lost a good friend and Brother in Christ. May God surround you with his Love at this time. God Bless the whole family of Richard, and God be with you all. I will never forget Richard as I met him on my birthday and he gave me a copy of his Book and prayed for me, the Best Birthday I have ever had.
Love You Sug
Peggy Czajka
November 2, 2009
Having known Rich most of my life, I have many great memories of his spirit and love of life. My condolences to the whole family. Rest in peace Rich.
Kelli LeMarr
November 1, 2009
We'll miss you very much. You'll always be in our hearts and I'm glad you'll be watching over my sister and neice from heaven. Michelle I love you very much and I'm always going to be here for you. Our familys prayers are with you.
Tad Allen
November 1, 2009
Rich; u were a great, great guy and u will be missed in the weight room @ the Y. God Bless you bro! God Bless u Michelle and family.
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