Patrick Lee Guthrie

Patrick Lee Guthrie, passed away suddenly January 23, 2024, at his home after a brief illness.  He was the son of the late, Phyllis Mercedes and John Vernon Guthrie.   He was also preceded in death by brother John Guthrie and sister Dreama Sexton.

Left to grieve his absence, is his wife of 35 years, Ingrid Guthrie, his daughters, Michele Guthrie Hankins (Chris), Shannon Kirshner (Jonathan); and his son, Patrick V. Guthrie (Jessica Bright); and their mother, Barbara Guthrie Ford; two brothers, Rick (Kim) Guthrie and Mike Guthrie; sister, DeeDee Ryder and several nieces and nephews.  Pat has six grandchildren, Kaila Knecht (Tyler), John Patrick Hankins (Emily), Georgia Hankins (Ridge Hickman), twins, Harrison and Allison Kirshner, Hanna Kirshner; and twin great granddaughters, Mila and Marlow Knecht.

Pat wore many hats during his lifetime.  He played baseball at Huntington High, was a teenage father, that settled into family life nicely, and in his free time, coached Meyers Little Movers, at League 3 for many years and also coached different Babe Ruth teams in Huntington.  While in Germany, he also went on to coach his son, Patrick's, baseball team.  Pat had a soft-spoken coaching style, that was fair and effective.  He was loved by his players and many would still came by to visit him.

Pat's life was a series of successes and setbacks, but he always managed to reinvent himself.  Had he lived another 10 years, it's hard telling what he would have done.   In the early days, he supported his family working at Connor's Steel.  At 25, he was the youngest foreman, in the history of Connor's.  He went on to start a trucking company hauling steel from the local steel plants.   When the steel industry failed in the late 70's, so did his business.

After trying everything he could to stay in West Virginia, in 1982, he joined the Army at the ripe age of 34.   During basic training, he put most of the young men to shame, winning fitness tests and gaining the respect of his officers.

He was stationed briefly in Fort Knox, Kentucky then stationed in Germany, where he managed to stay 18 years.   In 1984, his three children joined him in Germany where he continued to rear them with his gentle and loving nature.  His children didn't always have it easy when it came to stability, but they never had to doubt his love for them.  He didn't impose his opinion or try to bend them to his will, he let them do their thing and they are better for it.  He taught them to be independent thinkers, hard workers and free spirits and he was always a phone call away.

Over his almost 22 years of service in the United States Army, he experienced both war and peace-keeping missions collecting many medals and accolades along the way.  His discharge papers were so full of awards, it was hard to decide which ones were the most important. In 2006, Pat started a live-music venue in the old Valhalla bar located on 6th Avenue and 8th Street.  The V Club, Pat's dream, lived on for years, bringing popular and up and coming bands and musicians to Huntington.

Pat had a wonderful life, full of love from family and friends.  Beard Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.  Visitation will be held Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 1 to 2.  Funeral to follow at 2.  Pat will be cremated following.