John Earl Guard, 91, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at Oakview Heights Continuous Care & Rehab surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on January 22, 1933 in Wabash County, Illinois, the son of Ben H. and Cora Emma (Hutchinson) Guard. John married Lois Young on June 6, 1950 in Princeton, IN and together they enjoyed seventy-four years of marriage.

John will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. He treasured time with his family and especially enjoyed keeping up with his grandchildren’s activities. John had a heart for helping people and often kept busy working with his hands while helping friends and family. John and Lois enjoyed taking car rides while they enjoyed nature and their surroundings. When able he attended the First Church of the Nazarene in Mount Carmel. John will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.

John will be remembered by his loving wife, Lois Guard; son, Timothy Guard; daughter, Judith Beuligmann and husband, Mike; twelve grandchildren, Amy (Chad) Price, Daniel Hall, Alyssa (Alex) Guard, Ashton Wilson, Evan Wilson, Tim (Tracie) Guard, Wesley Guard, Travis Guard, Katie Jo (Chris) Guard, Caly Guard, Cadyn (Samantha) Guard, and Kami Guard; nineteen great grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Thomas Earl Guard; sons, Tony Guard, and Tony Guard II; brothers, James Guard, Joseph Guard, and Ben Guard, Jr.; sisters, Helen Dawson, Myrtle Rosignol, Mary Belle Blackford, and Dorothy Peach; three infant brothers; and two infant sisters.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 11:00 a.m.- 12:45 p.m., Wednesday, September 25, 2024 in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home. At 12:45 p.m. a Masonic Service will be held prior to the Funeral Service.

Funeral Services will be 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 25, 2024 in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to Ainad Motor Patrol-Shriners of Southeastern, IL. Envelopes will be at the funeral home or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.

Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view John’s tribute wall and leave condolences for the Guard family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com