Command Sgt. Major Robert J. McGuire, US Army (Retired)

Command Sgt. Major Robert J. McGuire, US Army (Retired)

Robert J. McGuire was born on July 12, 1939 in Floral Park, N. Y. and passed away on May 15, 2010, at the age of 70, in Temple, Texas.

Robert was raised and educated in Tampa, Florida, where he graduated from high school.  He also attended Central Texas College.

Robert joined the Army in 1958 and served for 30 years before retiring in 1988 at the rank of command sergeant major.  During his long, distinguished career, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, the sixth highest military decoration.  His other decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.  His  military career included service in Vietnam.

After his retirement, he was employed by Red Barn Nursery as a licensed nurseryman.

Robert was a member of many community organizations, including the VFW, the American Legion and the Southwest Bell County Fire Department.

Funeral services were held on May 20 at the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home Chapel in Killeen, Texas.  A procession from the Chapel to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas was led by a bright red fire truck of the Southwest Bell County Fire Department.

The procession was welcomed at the cemetery by  Patriot Guard Riders and 50 waving American Flags, which lined the roadway in front of the committal shelter.

The Riders formed a line of American flags around the shelter, as final prayers were said and formal military honors were rendered by the US Army Honor Guard.  A rifle detail fired three volleys of fire, representing Honor, Duty and Country.  Taps was played, and the flag which had covered the casket was folded and presented to Robert’s wife, Martha, on behalf of a grateful country and the United States Army.

The services concluded with the playing of Amazing Grace, by a bagpiper, a member of the Patriot Guard Riders.


Robert J. McGuire was then laid to rest on the gentle, west facing slope of the cemetery, as the American flag flew at half-staff at the top of the hill in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, a son, five daughters and numerous other dear friends and family.  Among his surviving family are 21 grandchildren and two great-children.


With thanks to the Killeen Daily Herald for biographical information.