Leonard Giles Guess

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Leonard Giles Guess Jr., a devoted father, esteemed veteran, and retired fire inspector. Leonard departed from his earthly home on October 10, 2024, at the age of 77 at his home under the care of His Daughters: Dorice and Fallon, and His “Warden” Angel Crayton. Born on February 7, 1947, in Chicago, IL, to the late Leonard Guess Sr., and Doris Robinson-Guess. Leonard moved to Benton Harbor, Michigan in 1958. Leonard is a proud graduate of the Benton Harbor High School class of 1965. He had a profound sense of duty and patriotism. His noble spirit enabled him to serve in the United States Army, where he exhibited remarkable bravery during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1968. His unwavering commitment and resilance earned him the admiration of his fellow servicemen and women, forging lifelong bonds as an United States Veteran. Leonard received an honorable discharge from the United States Army and pursued higher learning at Lake Michigan College, obtaining an Associate's Degree. Leonard dedicated his life to protecting others by serving the City of Benton Harbor as a Firefighter and Fire Inspector for 16 years. In this role, he was instrumental in implementing critical safety measures and educating the community about fire prevention, ultimately saving countless lives. His commitment to public safety and his community was unparalleled. In 1987, Leonard began working at the Michigan Department of Corrections as a Fire Inspector until he retired in 2001. Known to his friends and family as Lenny, he was always professional, polite and proud. Lenny was a devoted family man and instilled the values of hard work, kindness and perseverance in everyone who encountered him. He was known for his steady leadership and wisdom. He also enjoyed watching judge shows, the news and sports in his downtime. Leonard was an avid fisherman, photographer and nature. Lenny leaves to cherish, his daughters: Dorice (Monteal) Wilcher of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, Misty (Tony) Brown of South Carolina and Fallon Guess of Atlanta, GA,. One son: Juan Guess of Gainesville, Georgia. Sister in Love: Beverly (Dennis) Scott. Special Friend: Carmen Perry. Lenny touched many lives and his legacy will live on through the countless memories he has left behind to manifest in his grandchildren: Riquia Wilcher, Sarea Wilcher, Ryan Guess, Jamaree Guess and Naimah Stephens. Great grandchildren: Demani, Rhaia, Chandler and Erin. Nieces: Niki and Shantan, Nephews: Vincent, Jamal, Brandon, Shawn and Averell. Due to the passing of his mother at an early age, Lenny had the privilege of growing up with his extended family: Sheryl Finley, Eric Finley, Donald Finley Jr., Penny Finley, Tyrone Robinson, Danny Clark, Norma Clark, Dana Clark, Gregory Clark, Donald Clark and Kevin Moore. Lenny was preceded in death by his parents: Leonard Guess Sr., and Doris Robinson-Guess. Grandparents: Joseph and Nina Finley; Ernest Robinson. Brothers Norman and Robbin Guess. Special Aunts: Beverly Clark and Bonita Finley. Rest in peace, Lenny. Your duty here is done, but your legacy will endure forever.

Tributes

Leonard Giles Guess

February 7, 1947 - October 10, 2024