Jessie Floyd Guynes

Jessie Floyd Guynes
May 4, 1931-August 22, 2020

Jessie Floyd Guynes was born to the union of Jessie Floyd Guynes and Ethel Ervaline (McClanahan) Guynes in Brown County, Texas on May 4, 1931.
Growing up Jess already had the love of farming and the desire to work the fields and harvest the crops to help sustain his family. He left their farm in Rising Star, Texas in 1954 to proudly serve his country in the Army. He was stationed in Germany until 1956. During this time, he returned to Seagraves, Texas and entered the work force. In the summer of 1957, he was transferred through his work with Western Company to Cortez, Colorado. During a trip down Main Street he shared a glance with Helen Irene Johnson which led to a blind date, and on November 22, 1958 these two were wed. In December of 1961, their first child Julie Rae was born, and it was also during this time they began to make the move to Dove Creek, Colorado to begin their life on the farm. Clearing land, establishing a home, farming pinto beans, wheat, raising livestock, church and neighbors filled their days. The summer of 1964 blessed them with another child Shari Dee. The family grew again in January of 1967 as Eric Jess was born. This led to the building of their farm home to accommodate their growing family. Jess was an excellent husband, dad, and provider. He filled the home with stories, jokes, playful nature and spur of the moment picnics and trips to Lake Powell. He taught his family the power of prayer, Sunday was God’s, work ethics, he had the great ability to listen and encourage, demonstrated how to treat others, and stand up for yourself if need be. He was an amazing neighbor helping and showing them his skills as a welder and designer of farm equipment, he loved to visit, he loved to farm and he loved his family and wife “Sugie” as he affectionately called her. In the 1970’s a family decision was made to get out of the livestock business and begin to farm alfalfa hay along with beans and wheat. As the kids grew, went to college, got married and started their families and careers Jess and Helen began traveling and visiting family more and these trips provided them with much closeness and travels that took them throughout the USA. His favorite place to travel was back to Texas and being close to his family and loved ones there. Of course, these trips were always made around the farming season and Jess farmed alongside his son until the age of 80.
Besides his love for farming the church and fellowship with others saw him serve on the church board, work alongside Helen with the AWANA program where they started the foundation base of Christianity for many young people in the community. He was the biggest fan at all sporting events following his children and then his grandchildren. Jess was active on the Dove Creek Soil Conservation District and started a side business with two other farmers building terraces to help stop erosion and keep water in the fields. He was an entrepreneur and made many decisions that helped guide the farm through many changes and with the Lord’s blessings continued success.
The later years of life were devoted to his grandchildren and he filled their lives with love, guidance, mentorship and memories of family gatherings, trips, working in the fields and showered everyone with the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s and Dementia robbed his family of precious time with him. His family stayed by his side and continued to visit, love, and show him the devotion he always gave. Beehive Homes at the Cortez Homestead became his new home and they gave him wonderful care until his departure. The family will always be grateful to Jan Gardner and their staff for their care and devotion to our loved one. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made to Beehive Homes at the Cortez Homestead, 694 Cottonwood St., Cortez, Colorado 81321.
Jess leaves behind his wife Helen whom he was married to for 61 years; his daughter Julie Kibel of Dove Creek, CO (Shania and Joshua Kibel); daughter Shari and Eric Garchar of Dolores, CO ( Matthew, Elizabeth, and great granddaughter Lydia Garchar of Albuquerque, NM) (Andrew and Cindy Garchar of Greensville, SC), (Conrad and Krista [Garchar] Schulte of Norfolk, VA), (Kayla Garchar of Dolores, CO); son Eric and Roxie Guynes of Dove Creek, CO, (Jacob Guynes of North Ogden, UT),( Justin and Jessica Guynes, great granddaughter Rylee of Dove Creek, CO), (Dalton and Jessica [Guynes] Randolph of Dove Creek, CO), (Corissa Guynes of North Ogden, UT); sister Martha Jo [Guynes] Bailey of Rising Star, TX; brother Bobby Guynes of Pocatello, ID; as well as numerous nieces and nephews along with many grand nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by both his parents; brother Jimmie Guynes and his wife Bernel of Brownwood, TX; brother Lonnie Guynes and wife Faye of Kemmerer, WY; sister Irene [Guynes] Rankin Sullivan and husbands Ray Rankin and Bob Sullivan of Rising Star, TX.
Services will be held at First Baptist Church in Dove Creek, CO at 10 am on Saturday, August 29, 2020. Graveside services will follow at the Dove Creek Cemetery. All are invited to join the family for a dinner at the Dolores County Senior Center immediately following.