Always be joyful; pray constantly; and for all things give thanks; this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

This was the favorite bible verse of Allen Eugene Guitar, who passed away on January 20, 2025, and lived by these words. Allen is survived by his wife of 53 years who he described as his “soulmate,” Karen Ann Guitar, as well as his 4 loving children and 7 grandchildren – John (Jen) Guitar and their two children, Dylan (14) and Brigette (13); Sue (Lyn) Odom and their two children, Sloane (12) and Rip (10); Cathy Guitar (Jason Miller, life partner); and Joe Guitar and his three children, Isabelle (16), Rheagan (15) and Whitney (14).

Allen was born in Ruth, Michigan where he lived for 3 years in a small farmhouse before moving to Detroit, Michigan where his surviving brother, Darrell (Darlene) Guitar, and surviving sister, Pamela (Chris) Balas, were born. Allen was oldest of 75 first cousins with whom he maintained close relationships through the years.

On December 8, 1967, Allen was drafted to the U.S. Army to serve in the Vietnam War and was sent to Chu Lai. Allen always felt God was looking out for him. Because he could type, he was selected to serve in administrative functions rather than in direct combat. There, he gained experience in human resources. After returning from his service in Vietnam, Allen obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University and continued to pursue a career in human resources.

It was at Mass at St. Cletus Catholic Church in Warren, Michigan where Allen would meet his wife, Karen. They married in 1971 to begin their life journey together, raising 4 children in Troy, Michigan.

Those early family years were full of love and family vacation adventures in a pop-up camper. When Allen’s mother, Angeline, passed away from cancer, he started focusing on health and wellness. He began encouraging his children to choose healthy snacks by writing notes beside the bowl of apples that read, “washed and ready to eat.” He started running indoors in the basement of the family’s home in Troy, Michigan when the weather kept him from going outside.

Next to his faith, he poured his life into health and wellness, becoming what he considered himself to be – a Life Coach. He spent years writing a book that gave life lessons on faith, health, and success in work and life. Even at 79 years of age, Allen combined his passion for exercise and music to take long bike rides with his wife, grandchildren, or anyone willing to keep up with him.

The family will remember Allen as a devout Catholic who dedicated his life to living like Jesus has taught us. He is defined by his faith and spent every opportunity sharing the word of God with his family and friends. The family also will remember his quick wit and humor, making classic “dad jokes” until the end. He led by example and lived a life of moderation. In his final days, fighting his debilitating disease of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) while his mind remained sharp and his body deteriorated, Allen shared the very simple life lesson to be kind and help one another.

As a member of St. John XXIII Catholic Church in Miramar, FL, he became an Emmaus brother eight years ago and served as Emmaus coordinator for over four years. He also served as a lector, lector scheduler, and sacristan. He was always grateful to have so many dear and wonderful friends who shared in these ministries, and Allen was always happy to help whenever he could.

The family will hold a visitation on Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Boyd Panciera Funeral Home, 1600 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines, FL. The funeral Mass will be held on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. John XXIII Roman Catholic Church, 16800 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, Florida 33027 with the burial to follow at 1:30 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, 1500 South State Road 7, North Lauderdale, FL 33068.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John XXIII Roman Catholic Church or the ALS Association.

Arrangements entrusted to Boyd Panciera Family Funeral Care.