Harry Guth

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Harry E. Guth, 90, died Monday, Jan. 19, 2015, in his hometown of Perryville.

He was born Sept. 30, 1924, in Perryville, to Harry E. and Ora Nelson Guth Sr.

Harry graduated from Perryville High School in 1942. While in high school he excelled in track and football; he subsequently brought those talents to Southeast Missouri State University where he played the position of quarterback of the football team. After one year of college, he answered the call of duty and served in the Army during World War II.

After serving his country, he attended the University of Missouri-Columbia. He excelled as a track star, known as one of the fastest runners in the country. He held several track records, many of which went unbroken until Mel Gray broke them in the late 1960s. He graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree from the School of Journalism.

He moved to Perryville where he joined his father, Harry Guth Sr., in running the Perry County Republican. He met the love of his life, Barbara Sietz, or as he lovingly called her, "Kizzy" in 1949 and married in 1950. They were blessed with four children.

Survivors include two daughters, Vicki Guth of St. Louis and Marlene and husband Lee Lottes of St. Louis; a son, Marc and wife Andrea Guth of Malibu, California; four grandchildren, Jean Ahsmuhs, Elizabeth OHanlon, Nicholas Guth and Beckett Guth; and a great-grandchild, Rori OHanlon.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Barbara; and a daughter, Beverly.

Harry was a gifted writer and was awarded several literary honors during his career as the newspaper editor. He served his community, reporting accurately and fairly, at times with great wit, other times with great poignancy. He also bestowed his wit and insight on his family with a treasure-hold of poems and other writings.

His athletic accomplishments did not stop in college. He was a master of the tennis match, with his unstoppable "snot ball." He even went on to compete in the Senior Olympics, winning numerous events throughout the years. At the age of 70 he had the skill and drive to obtain his pro golf teaching license, so that he could share his love of the game with others.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today and from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. Friday at Young and Sons Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Nancy Gillard officiating. Burial will be in Home Cemetery. Military honors provided by American Legion Post 133 and Delta Team.

Memorials are preferred to First Presbyterian Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Online condolences may be made at youngandsonsfuneral.com.