Tom Guthier

Mr. Thomas Joseph Guthier, 78, of Statesville, NC passed away, Sunday, July 17, 2011 at the Gordon Hospice House. He was born March 28, 1933 in Watervliet, New York and was the son of the late Francis J. (Frank) Guthier and Catherine Murphy Guthier. He was a graduate of La Salle Military Institue in 1951. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict serving 1953-1955. He served with Able Battery, 38 Field Artillery, 2 Division Army for 22 months on the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). He met Carlene Sledge in Kansas City, MO while attending Central Technical Institute. They were married in Chicago, IL on April 6, 1957, where both were employed. Tom with Continental Airlines and Carlene with Scandinavian Airlines. They moved from Cortland, NY to Statesville in 1986 and Tom began working for Orbit Industries in their warehouse. He soon became the supervisor of that department, a position he held until he retired in 2001. He was a member of Broad Street Church of Christ. Survivors include his wife, a son, Timothy Guthier of Cortland, NY, a daughter, Karen Burkeen of Yadkinville; 5 grandchildren, Timothy Burkeen of Statesville, Anglea (Leonardo) Lendeche of Charlotte, Arianna J. Burkeen, Anastasia P. Burkeen of Yadkinville, and Thomas Guthier, II of Cortland, NY. A brother also survives, Gerald (Joan) Guthier of Southington, CT, a sister-in-law, Josephine Guthier of Troy, NY, 2 great grandchildren, Mireya Sanchez and Yajaira Lendeche of Charlotte and several nieces and nephews of Arkansas, California and New York. He was preceded in death by a brother, Francis Guthier and a sister, Mary G. Fowler, as well as his parents. Graveside services will be conducted 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 22, 2011 at Oakwood Cemetery. Bill Ellenburg, Sr. will officiate and the family will visit with friends following the services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Rd., Statesville, NC 28625 or to Gospel Broadcasting Co., 3969 Cloud Springs Rd., Ringgold, GA 30736. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com Mr. Guthier will lie in state at Nicholson Funeral Home until 9:30 a.m. on Friday. Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Guthier.