John “Keith” Guinn passed away peacefully on Friday, January 5, 2024, at the age of 74. Keith was born on September 10, 1949, in San Antonio, Texas to Troyce Edwin and Katha Jane Guinn. He was a 1968 graduate of Mary Carroll High School in Corpus Christi, Texas. Shortly after graduation, Keith enlisted in the military and pursued his dream of becoming a United States Marine. He attended boot camp at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California, and was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps on June 19, 1970, after sustaining a back injury. Keith then returned to Corpus Christi, Texas to marry the love of his life, Gwendolyn Thompson, on April 23, 1971. Keith attended the Corpus Christi Police Academy and graduated on December 17, 1971. He served as a police officer for the City of Corpus Christi until June 1976 when he and Gwen moved to Alice, Texas.
Keith was hired to work for FESCO by the owner, the late Mr. William “Bill” Findley, Jr. on July 1, 1976. Mr. Guinn, as he was respectfully known to many, proudly worked for FESCO for 45.5 years and retired on December 31, 2021. Despite retirement, he would not venture away from FESCO and remained an employee until his death. Mr. Guinn took immense pride in working for FESCO and has made many lifelong friends along the way. He was known, respected, and admired as a mentor to many in the oilfield across the State of Texas. FESCO was not only his place of work, but the employees there were his extended family whom he loved and cherished dearly.
Keith built a beautiful and wonderful life with Gwen. They truly had the most perfectly balanced and loving relationship. In their younger days, they enjoyed traveling, attending drag races, and riding motorcycles. Keith adored and loved Gwen tremendously. He was a devoted and loving husband for 52 years. After nine years of marriage, they decided to start a family and welcomed their first daughter, Tiffany, in 1980 followed by their second daughter, Tyra, in 1985. Their family was complete with two daughters who he gave the world to. He taught his daughters to be strong, smart, independent, and successful women. He was a devoted father and a proud supporter of everything they did. He was immensely proud of his daughter’s achievements. During the summers you would find him and the girls riding 4-wheelers in Leakey, Texas, and swimming/floating the Frio River. Keith always looked forward to hunting season as he was an avid hunter and enjoyed spending time hunting with friends and family, especially in Wyoming. He loved being outdoors and observing wildlife.
Keith’s greatest achievement in life was becoming a grandfather known to his grandchildren as Poppy. He was first blessed with his one and only grandson, his best bud, Nathan Paul, son of Tyra and Paul Rodas. Poppy and Nathan shared a special bond as they were both given a gift of life, Nathan a liver and Poppy a kidney in 2007. Following Nathan, his sister Toree Marae was born. Poppy was Toree’s biggest fan at every sporting event and was extremely proud of her academic achievements leading her to attend Texas Tech University in the Fall of 2024. Poppy gained his next granddaughter, Jalynn Olivea, through the marriage of Tiffany and Lando. He was always excited to see Jalynn Olivea and always ensured she was doing well, setting goals, and being successful in life. Tiffany and Lando later welcomed Jadia Oriana in 2011, who he shared a very close bond with as he had the pleasure of picking up from school every day. In 2013, Jaxcyn Oriah was born and quickly became his favorite comedian as they have the same sense of humor and wit. Just when he thought he had enough “princesses,” Tiffany and Lando welcomed Jaegan Olyxandra in 2020. Jaegan lit up his world and he was always so excited to see how excited she was to see her Poppy. He always enjoyed having his grandchildren in his home, always had sweets and treats ready, drinks in the refrigerator, and anything they wished for. Not only did he love his grandchildren, he adored his grand-pets Winston and Sissy. Poppy never said no. Poppy’s family was his entire world and he leaves a legacy of love behind that will be cherished forever.
Keith was a man of integrity, loyalty, and discipline. He was intelligent, ambitious, and driven to exceed his goals. He was stern, tough, and expected the best in everyone. When anyone was struggling, Keith was there to teach them how to succeed as he was taught to do so by his friend and mentor, Mr. William “Bill” Findley, Jr. Keith never met a stranger. Although he was a man of few words, to know him was to love him. Every person he had a relationship with, has a unique memory or bond specific to them whether it was about the weather, hunting, catching cats, the oilfield, politics, or simply a lesson learned. He left a special place in so many people’s hearts and will forever be remembered and admired as a friend and mentor.
Keith is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Marvin and Opal Burkett Pierce, his paternal grandparents James Miley and Bessie Lee Brasswell Guinn, his parents Troyce Edwin and Katha Jane Guinn, mother and father-in-law Louise and Jimmy Thompson, grandson Nathan Paul Rodas, and pets Snoopy, Boomer, Lexy, Sadie, and Brody.
Keith is survived by his loving wife Gwen Guinn of 52 years, his daughter Tiffany (Lando) Mendietta, granddaughters Jalynn, Jadia, Jaxcyn, and Jaegan Mendietta; his daughter Tyra (Paul) Rodas and granddaughter Toree Rodas all of Alice, Texas; his brother Larry Dean (Linda) Guinn and nephews Cody and Cory Guinn of San Angelo, Texas; his brother Mark Edwin (Holly) Guinn and nephew Troyce (Caroline) Guinn and their children Harley, Raylan, and Levi and his nephew Travis Guinn all of Casper, Wyoming. Sisters-in-law Patty (Bill) Cary and Carol (Ben) Rogers of Corpus Christi, Texas; special grand-pets Winston and Sissy.
Visitation will be at Holmgreen Mortuary at 2061 E. Main St., Alice, Texas 78332 on Thursday, January 11, 2024, from 5:00 pm-9:00 pm with a Holy Rosary recited at 7:00 pm led by Deacon Jim Carlisle. A celebration of life will be led by Pastor Troy Riggs of First Baptist Church at Holmgreen Mortuary on Friday, January 12, 2024, at 10:00 am. Interment to follow with full military honors at Alice Cemetery in Alice, Texas.
Pallbearers will be Steve Findley, Henry Fletcher, Mark Guinn, Javier Longoria, Lando Mendietta, Andy Peterson, Paul Rodas, and Gordon Sims.
Honorary Pallbearers are Larry Guinn, Ted Bryce, Bill Cary, Rey Escamilla, Justin Findley, Travis Findley, Lilo Garcia, Jaime Gonzalez, Joe Guerra, Shorty Guerra, David Marsh, Sammy Paiz, Robert “Bobby” Pickens, Ben Rogers, and all the special coworkers, past and present, from FESCO who worked alongside Keith for many years.
Keith was extremely generous with his time and resources-specifically to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We respectfully request that, in lieu of flowers, anyone who wishes to honor his memory can donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or any local charity of their choice.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Emergency Department staff (night shift of January 4, 2024) at Christus Spohn Hospital Alice for the love, compassion, and care provided to their husband/father/grandfather during his time of need. Also, thank you to Dr. Kamat and the staff at Alice Heart Center as well as Dr. Alejandro Lopez and Dr. Jorge Vazquez for all the care provided over many years.
