Buddy R. guest 95 of DeKalb, Illinois passed away on June 22, 2015. He was the oldest of three siblings of Florice and Hezekiah H. Guest. He spent the early years of his life on a farm near Republican City, Nebraska.
After graduation from high school, he attended Nebraska Wesleyan University where he was awarded a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Geography/Geology in 1942. Following graduation from Wesleyan he served nearly four years in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a Weather Observer with the 8th Air Force in Europe. After his discharge from the service he returned to the University of Nebraska Lincoln to earn a Master's Degree in Geography/Geology. He completed his Ph.D. in Geography as a Salisbury Scholar at the University of Chicago in 1951.
After a year of teaching at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, he was employed as a Research Analyst in the Department of the Air Force in Washington, D.C. He received the Air Force Superior Accomplishment Award in 1956. In the fall of 1958 he joined the faculty of Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois. During his tenure at Northern Illinois University he was a frequent visitor to the former Soviet Union and the Republic of China. Most of his visits were as a Group Leader for alumni and students.
During his nearly 30 year teaching career at northern Illinois University he was cited by the U.S. Air Force Association for his work in the field of Aerospace Education and was honored by the Illinois Geographical Society with its prestigious Distinguished Geographic Educator Award.
While at Northern Illinois University he held memberships in The Association of American Geographers, The American Association for the Advancement of Science, The National Geography Society, The Illinois Geographical society, the US- China Friendship Association; and the National Aerospace Education Association.
He was active in the Civil Air Patrol, a civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force for over twenty years. He held several positions in the DeKalb Illinois composite Squadron including Commander. He was a licensed pilot.
He is survived by his daughter: Marian T. Guest-Drewitz of Lindenwood, IL, a son: Christopher R. Guest of Minnestrista, MN, 3 granddaughters: Emilie, Julia, and Claire Drewitz all of Lindenwood, IL, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. Preceded in death by: parents, wife: Virginia, sister: Dorothy Hansen, and brother: W. Ren.
Graveside service will be held on Wednesday June 24, 2015 at 1:00PM in the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery with Father Dean Russell officiating. Full military honors will follow the service and be provide by the DeKalb American Legion, AmVets, and the V.F.W. Memorials in lieu of flowers to Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln, Nebraska. Arrangements were entrusted to: Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL, 60115 815-758-3841.