Robert D. "Lefty" McGuire decided to move on to his next big adventure when he passed away on April 19, 2017 at Halifax Health Medical Center surrounded by his family.

Robert, "Lefty," "Bob," "Dad" or "Grandpa" began his life in Cushing, Oklahoma when he was born to the late Manuel and Bessie McGuire on June 16, 1934. Shortly after his birth he accompanied his parents on a journey to Villa Grove, Illinois in the days of the depression in search of work. In the farming area of Central Illinois his parents found work and a home.

"Robert, Lefty, Bob, Dad, or Grandpa" flourished, went to school and graduated from the Tuscola, Illinois High School. Shortly after high school he was activated as a member of the Illinois National Guard and deployed to Korea. In Korea he served with the 32nd INF REGT, 7th INF DIV, CO B. Upon returning from Korea, he met and married Nancy A. Swartz of Atwood, Illinois on August 17, 1954 when they eloped to Senatobia, Mississippi and remained married for 62 years.

In 1971 the McGuire clan (Mom and Dad and 6 children) moved to Daytona Beach, Florida. "Robert, Lefty, Bob, Dad or Grandpa" was deeply involved in the Port Orange VFW Post 3282 as well as the local and State Association of Korean War Veterans Association as the past president of both. In addition to his involvement with the VFW and the Korean War Veterans Association, he was a volunteer at the local Veterans Administration. In 2014 he testified before Congress about the neglect and lack of services for veterans and testified that he had had a physical by phone with his VA doctor concerning his hearing, heart and COPD issues. Many laughs and gasps of astonishment were heard in the gallery. He enjoyed fishing, beekeeping, reading, farming, his grandchildren and his Irish Heritage.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nancy; six children; Shon (Patti) of Port Orange; Robin (Al) Riley of Daytona Beach, Kathleen (Ellis) Elton of South Daytona, Patricia (Richard) Miller of Port Orange, Timothy (Carla) of Daytona Beach, and Patrick of South Daytona; 16 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Manuel and Bessie Laverne McGuire and his brother Gary McGuire.

Family will be receiving friends from 1:00 pm until the service begins at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 in the Chapel at Lohman Funeral Home Daytona, 1423 Bellevue Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32114. Burial will follow the service at Daytona Memorial Park. Following the service the Port Orange VFW Post 3282, 5830 South Williamson Blvd., Port Orange FL 32129 will sponsor a reception honoring the memory of "Robert, Lefty, Bob, Dad, Grandpa and Brother Soldier."

Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Korean War Veterans Association, Chapter 189, Port Orange, FL. Condolences may be shared with the family here on our online guestbook.