Donald E. Guard, 85, of Leesburg, Ind., passed away at 6:06 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013, in Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw, Ind.

On March 5, 1928, he was born in Elwood, Ind., to Kenneth Robert and Esther Irene (Hesler) Guard. He married Susan Kernodle on Dec. 21, 1952, in North Webster, Ind., who survives.

Donald joined the United States Merchant Marine in 1944 at the age of 16. He then served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps, for 24 years, retiring as First Sergeant.

He served during World War II, The Korean Conflict and the Vietnam Conflict. He enlisted in 1944 and was honorably discharged in 1969. Donald received several medals during his service, including the Purple Heart from wounds suffered at Chosin Reservoir in Korea; the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal of Valor for his courageous action under fire in Korea and a second award of heroism under fire during “Operation Ripper.” He also received the Bronze Star Medal of Valor. Within 10 days later, he received his second Purple Heart and the Silver Star for his leadership and gallantry in action.

Following his retirement from the military, Don worked for the U.S. Postal Service, San Diego until July of 1971 when he moved to North Webster where he worked as supervisor of buildings and grounds for Bristol Meyers Company, retiring in 1985.

Donald was a member of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, Crystal River, Fla. He also was a member of Good Sam, American Legion Post #253, North Webster; VFW Post #1342, Syracuse, Ind.; Disabled American Veterans and a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Marine Corps League.

He is survived by his wife: Susan Guard, Leesburg; three daughters: Peggy (Dale) Custer, Milford, Ind.; Cheryl (Rick) Rutter, Warsaw, Ind.; and Cathy (Dale) Mendenhall, Muncie, Ind.; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister: Jacqueline Marx.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at the funeral chapel. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw, with Rev. Dale Mendenhall officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery – Legion Circle Three with military honors by American Legion Post #253, North Webster.

Memorial contributions are to be made to St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, 9870 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429 or to Aaron A. Weaver Chapter 776 of Military Order of the Purple Heart, P.O. Box 1345, Lecanto, FL 34460-1345.

To leave online condolences, go to the McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels website.