Memorial Page

 

Claude Philip “Red” Guran, Lt. Col, USAF, Ret., 69, of Rio Rancho, N.M., died Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2009 as a result of an automobile accident near Oklahoma City, Okla.

Born in Wanne-Eickel, Germ-any, to Anneliese Wiegand and Philip William Guran, Red moved to the USA in 1948. Proud to be an American citizen, Red joined the Navy in 1957 for a single tour, after graduating from McKenzie High School, Detroit, Mich. However, realizing the value of higher education, he returned to Michigan to complete a BS in police administration from Michigan State University and an MA in public administration from Central Michigan University.

Red joined the USAF and became a member of Security Police Forces, retiring as a Lt. Col. USAF. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf clusters, AF Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf clusters, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with six Bronze Stars.

After retirement from the Air Force, Red returned to school, obtaining a MS in special education from the University of New Mexico and began a 13-year teaching career at Cibola High School. After retiring from teaching, Red and Lynne travelled extensively in their RV throughout the United States.

Red is survived by his loving family: wife, Lynne, of Rio Rancho; sons, Major Nickolaus Guran, USA, and wife Michelle of Bamberg, Germany, and Alexander Guran and fiancé Sonia Sanchez of Albuquerque, N.M.; and brother William (Bill) Guran and his wife Janice of Milford, Mich.

A memorial service will be held at Rio Rancho Presbyterian Church, on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Deacons Fund of Rio Rancho Presbyterian Church, 1004 24th St. SE, in Rio Rancho. Arrangements have been made by Daniels Funeral Home on Southern Boulevard.