Guy Stirman Pollard, Jr., age 87 passed away on August 28, 2017.  He was born July 11, 1930 in Springfield, MO.  Guy was preceded in death by his parents Guy S. Pollard and Mabel "Rosie" Pollard; his wife of 52 years, Helen V. Pollard; and grandson, Jessy Guy Pollard, KIA in Iraq 2007; great- grandson Elijah Walker; and step-son Douglas McLaggan.

Guy began his military career with the U.S. Navy after high school.  He served 4 years aboard the USS Brush (DD745) operating with the 7th Fleet in Asia at the outbreak of the Korean War.  Early in this conflict on September 26, 1950 while providing shore support for ground forces offshore Tanchon, Korea, Brush struck a mine.  This became the first major naval casualty of that war, resulting in 13 of his shipmates killed and 31 injured.  The ship came close to sinking but under its own power, was able to safely reach Sasebo, Japan.  While in drydock at Sasebo the huge midsection was patched and the broken keel was repaired and then the Brush, under its own power, sailed to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, WA.  After extensive repairs and updating, USS Brush was ordered to return to Korea.  Following his discharge, he joined the US Army Reserve.  He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in 1958 to the Army Transportation Corps and was later promoted to Colonel in 1980.  Guy received numerous decorations and service awards throughout his career.  The Legion of Merit medal was awarded to him on his last duty assignment at The Pentagon in 1984 prior to his military retirement.

Guy had 32 years of a memorable career with the Frisco/BN Railroad.  He held many operating positions throughout the rail system, headquartered in Springfield, Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Seattle.  He was Director of Safety, Seattle, WA when he retired.  He was especially proud to be a part of a five-generation railroad family.  The Pollard family accumulated over 130 years of service with the Frisco Railway.

He is survived by his wife Paula L. Pollard; sons Guy III and wife Stephanie of Springfield, MO and Bryan K. Pollard of Santa Barbara, CA; daughter Margaret Ann Pollard, Tulsa, OK and granddaughter Whitney Walker and husband Jermaine; their children Jazoria, Xaviona and Joziah of Springfield, MO; sister Polly Christopher; nephew Dr. Michael Christopher and wife Jaime; nieces Lynne Hasty, Karen Christopher from Scottsdale, AZ and stepson John McLaggan of Freeport, TX.

The Pollard family wants to extend thanks to Dr. Jennifer McNay and Dr. Jessica Snider for their professional, care and kindness during Guy's illness.  A big thanks to the Integrity Hospice Staff. The attentive professional team provided care and comfort during this final phase of Guy's life journey.

Memorial service will be held at First Unitarian Universalist Church, 2434 E. Battlefield Rd., Springfield, MO on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 1:00 PM, under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.  Following the service, a reception will be at Hickory Hills Country Club to celebrate the joys of life and friendship.

Guy's cremated remains have been interred at Springfield National Cemetery.  The family suggests any desired memorial contributions be made to Isabel's House, 2750 W. Bennett, Springfield, MO 65802 or The Salvation Army, 1707 W. Chestnut Expy, Springfield, MO 65807.

For online condolences and comments, please visit www.gormanscharp.com.