Tom Guinn

Tom Guinn passed away peacefully at his home in Visalia, CA surrounded by family on Sunday morning, February 4, 2024, at the age of 70. Tom left us after a 15-month period of illness from pancreatic cancer. Tom is survived by his wife, Kathy Guinn; his children Lauren Stuart (Tim), Travis Guinn (Davina), and Samantha Mason (Morgan); his stepchildren Derek Parkey (Jodi), Lisa Niehaus (Karl), and Brandon Parkey (Bryanna); and 10 grandchildren. Tom was born on September 4, 1953 in Tulare, CA to Edith Marie Phillips. He was raised by his uncle, Louis Guinn and his grandmother, Alta Mae Guinn on a hobby farm in Visalia, CA. From a young age, he learned to raise livestock and was taught a strong work ethic. He graduated from McLane High School in Fresno in 1971. In 1981, he married Laurie Knight of Clovis, CA. The couple welcomed and raised three children: Lauren, Travis, and Samantha. They were married for 21 years before Laurie's passing in 2002, due to a long period of illness from breast cancer. Tom later remarried to Kathy Parkey of Visalia, CA in 2009. Their blended family became known as the "Brady Bunch" and enjoyed many years of family gatherings. They were married for 14 years until his passing. Tom was known for his many talents in agriculture and farming which he learned by spending his summers working with his uncles. This eventually led to his first career in Beekeeping. After a major drought in 1987 that brought about the closure of his bee business, Tom started a new career with the Tulare County Sheriff's Office in 1988 as a correctional officer. Because of his talents in farming he was asked to establish and manage their inmate farm program in 1992. The 1,100-acre farm raised beef cattle, pigs, laying hens for eggs, grew alfalfa for feed and produced many vegetables. He also managed the gleaning and waste tire abatement programs throughout Tulare County. The farm program is one of a few still in existence thanks in large measure to his efforts. He ran the Sheriff's farm for 27 years before retiring in 2019 with 32 years of service. Tom also served as a board member for the Tulare County Farm Bureau for 8 years. He was awarded the Service to Farm Bureau Award in 2023 for his 20+ years of support to the organization by way of volunteering for their Land Use Committee, Fundraising Committee, and Bounty of the County event. In Tom's younger years, he enjoyed many outdoor activities including water skiing and boating in the central valley, hiking in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, sailing in the San Francisco Bay Area, and snow skiing in Lake Tahoe. In his later years, he loved spending time with his family and friends, traveling in his RV, and raising cattle on his farm in Visalia. He was a dedicated member of the Farm Bureau, Sheriff's Posse, Golden West Boosters, and the Elk's Lodge. Many will remember him by the grill, BBQing for countless fundraisers county-wide. In addition to Tom's many achievements and contributions he will be best remembered as a loving husband, supportive father, caring Papa, friend to all, and for his quick witted sense of humor. The funeral service will be Friday, February 23, 2024 at 9:30 am at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Avenue in Visalia. There will be a burial following the service at the Visalia Cemetery, 1300 W. Goshen Ave at 11 am, followed by a celebration of life at the Ritchie Barn, 16338 Avenue 308 in Visalia at 12 pm. There will be a visitation on Thursday, February 22, 2024 from 4 to 7 pm at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel in Visalia. Condolences can be sent to TomGuinnMemorial@gmail.com. The family would like to thank Tom's cancer care team at City of Hope in Duarte, CA; Dr. Robert Havard with Sequoia Oncology Medical Association; Bristol Hospice for their dedication to his comfort care, and all the love and support of his family and friends throughout his life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Tom's honor to your favorite charity. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Tom Guinn

September 4, 1953 - February 4, 2024