of Conway, AR

May 9, 1931 - August 13, 2015

Richard Nichols Guyan of Conway, AR passed on to a better life on August 13, 2015 in Conway, AR. He was born May 9, 1931 to the late Martha and Roy Guyan of Litchfield, IL. He is survived by his wife Beverly whom he married in l954. He was a loving and proud father to 2 children, Becky Cuthbertson (and son-in law Jim) of Montrose, CO and David Guyan of St. Louis, MO. He also loved having 4 wonderful grandchildren: Patrick Kelly (wife Elise) of Golden, CO; Daniel Kelly of Conifer, CO; Megan Herzog of St. Louis, MO; and Austin Guyan of Farmington, MO.

Richard graduated from Litchfield High School (1949) in Illinois and then attended Northern Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago where he received a Doctor of Optometry degree in l954. After marrying, Richard served 2 years in the US Army, assigned to the EENT Clinic at Fort Campbell, KY. Following his discharge he returned to Litchfield to practice optometry with his father, Dr. Roy Guyan. After his father died he continued to practice optometry until his retirement in 1992. He was a lifetime member of the American Optometric Association. He and his family were active members of St. Timothy United Methodist Church in Litchfield.

In addition to his career, he participated in many civic organizations in Litchfield such as the Nature Conservancy and working with the Shoal Creek volunteers. He served as president of the Litchfield Rotary Club, served on the board of the Elmwood Cemetery, and was also a hospice volunteer. He was an avid and loyal fan of the St. Louis Cardinals following their progress daily. Stan Musial was his boyhood hero.

After his retirement, he and Beverly moved to Fairfield Bay, AR and spent 17 happy years there taking part in many activities. He was a Master Gardener, served on the board of the Northern Arkansas Art Council and on the ''Hart'' Fitness Center board. His favorite activities were working in his yard, playing golf, walking nature trails, and volunteering for projects at the Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church. In 2014, Dick and Beverly left Fairfield Bay and moved to Conway, AR where they joined the First United Methodist Church. Together they enjoyed attending concerts, plays, and athletic events at the local colleges. He volunteered with the church Food Bank program and also with the CARTI cancer center.

To sum it all up Dick was a devoted husband, loved life, family, and nature, gave selflessly to others without seeking recognition, and enjoyed learning more about the various people he interacted with. He had a keen sense of humor and will be missed by many.

A memorial service of his life will be held at the First United Methodist in Conway on August 22 at 11:00 am.

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