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Ivan H. Guesman

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Educator and philanthropist

Ivan H. Guesman, 97, of Jefferson, died Wednesday, January 8, 2014, in his home with his wife by his side.

He was born December 28, 1916, in Rices Landing, a son of the late Homer F. and Effie Crago Guesman.

Mr. Guesman served in the U.S. Army during World War II and for 25 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring as a colonel.

He graduated from Carmichaels High School in 1934 and California State College and received his master’s degree from West Virginia University.

Mr. Guesman was a dedicated teacher for many years, having started in a one-room schoolhouse at Homeville in Jefferson School District. Later, he served as an elementary school principal and superintendent in West Greene School District. He then joined the faculty at California University of Pennsylvania, where he taught and was the director of student teachers.

He was a member of Hewitt Presbyterian Church of Rices Landing.

Mr. Guesman and his wife are well-known for their generous support of education, health care and churches throughout the community and beyond.

On March 30, 1943, he married Adelaide Ivill, who survives.

Also surviving is a nephew, Keith Collins of Inman, S.C.

Deceased are two sisters, Beatrice Guesman and Louise Collins, and two brothers, Raymond Guesman and Clifford Guesman.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Behm Funeral Homes, 1477 Jefferson Road, Jefferson, Gregory P. Rohanna, supervisor. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 11, in Roberts Chapel at Waynesburg University, with the Rev. Geoff Rach and the Rev. Dr. Donald P. Wilson officiating. Interment will follow in Hewitt Cemetery, Rices Landing. Graveside military rites will be accorded by American Legion Post 954, Jefferson.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Hewitt Presbyterian Church, 1206 Crucible Rd., Rices Landing, PA 15357, or Hewitt Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 11, Rices Landing, PA 15357.

Condolences may be expressed at www.behm-funeralhomes.com.

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