Obituary

Frederick F. Guthrie Sr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Fred was born on April 16, 1939, to Claude and Lorene Guthrie in Mound City. He was the second of four children. From an early age, Fred developed the strong work ethic, devotion to family, and generous spirit that would define his life.

Fred met the love of his life, Elizabeth Steele, and the two were married on January 22, 1959. They had three children.  Together, they built a loving and fun-filled home where there was always room for one more. Family was at the center of Fred’s world, and he took tremendous pride in watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow and make their way through life.

In 1958, Fred entered the United States Air Force, where he served as an air traffic controller. During his military career, he completed two tours in Vietnam as part of the First Mobile Communication Unit. He was recognized with accommodations for his outstanding work and service in Vietnam. Fred continued serving his country until 1979, retiring after a distinguished military career.

Retirement did not last long for Fred. He spent 23 years driving over the road for his company Guthrie Trucking Company before deciding it was time to come home. Still wanting to stay busy and serve others, Fred began driving a bus for adults with special needs. He did so for seven years, finding great purpose and joy in caring for the people he transported.

When his daughter, Kerri, needed him, Fred once again put family first. He became her caretaker and devoted himself to her until her passing. Caring for those he loved was simply who Fred was.

Fred was a loving father who always put his children first. He found great joy in watching them grow and move through life, knowing he had given them the love, guidance, and tools they needed to find their own way. His home was filled with laughter, love, and the certainty that family would always come first.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Ida Lynn; his brother, Bud; his beloved wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Guthrie; his daughter, Kerri Bess, and his son, Frederick F. Guthrie Jr.

He leaves behind his baby sister Tina Dunn, his daughter, Wendy Viers, and her husband, his best Buddy, Jim; grandchildren James Viers, his wife, Cassy, and Christine Mahurin, her husband, Jeff; daughter-in-law Teresa Guthrie; grandchildren Amber Webster, her husband, Zach, Dylan Guthrie,his wife, Kelsey, Cody Guthrie, his fiancé Jocelyn; as well as many great-grandchildren who adored their “Papa.” He also leaves behind nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives were touched by his kindness, humor, strength, and love.

Fred’s family will forever cherish the memories he gave them—the stories, the laughter, the lessons, and the love that will continue through every generation. His greatest legacy is the family he loved so deeply.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Brighton Hospice for their compassion, guidance, and unwavering support. They were a light for Fred and his family during a very difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Fred’s memory to Brighton Hospice.

Fred may be gone from our sight, but the love he gave, the lessons he taught, and the memories he created will remain in the hearts of his family forever.

Services
We will honor and say so long the way he requested on October 2, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Maitland Cemetery in Maitland, Missouri.