Hector Javier Guzman

He was born in Houston, Texas to Ramon & Esperanza Guzman. His life was filled with excitement through time shared with his four siblings. As a child he was very entertaining and loved to be the humorous one. He was also a hard worker within the family and generously gave to help support his mom and siblings. He attended both Phillis Wheatley High School and Ebbert L. Furr Senior High School, he ran track, was a member of Future Farmers of America, Drama Club & JROTC. He enjoyed watching sports: Wrestling, Football, and Basketball & Baseball. He won a 1st place trophy as Platoon Leader during a JROTC District Inspection.

He was passionate and very proud of his country, which led him to join the Armed Forces. A year after enlistment he married his first love and high school sweetheart, Elvia Veronica Ramirez by court and later by church at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. This marriage was blessed with four children and after 25 years of union their love remained strong. Hector loved his family and worked hard to provide for them. He sacrificed time spent with family to serve his country with the Bravo Co. (Bushmasters), 1st Battalion 5th Calvary Regiment (Black Knights), 2nd Brigade Blackjack, 1st Calvary Division. Staff Sergeant Guzman served two tours in Iraq for over 26 months in theater. His first deployment was Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2004-2005, where he served 14 months and fought at the following battles: The Battle of Al Najaf (Aug. 2004) & The Battle of Fallujah (Nov.-Dec. 2004). His 2nd tour was in Operation Enduring Freedom with Alpha Co. 1st Battalion 5th Calvary Regiment (Black Knights), 2nd Brigade Blackjack, and 1st Calvary Division. He was honorably discharged in 2012 after 15 years of service.

Hector loved wrestling with his sons and playing games with his family, especially on family game night. He was also in charge of snacks for family movie night, which were always the best! Throughout his later years, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1019 and served as their Grand Knight. He volunteered with the Boys & Girls Scouts of America supporting his children's extra-curricular activities and became a leader in the organization. His memories will forever be cherished by his surviving relatives: wife, Elvia Guzman; children: Hector Jr., Monica, Estevan & Alissa; mother, Esperanza Guzman & stepdad, Jose Reyes; siblings: his twin brother, Marco Guzman; Yanira Ramirez & husband Rafael, Norma Reyes & husband Raymundo Leija, and Franco Reyes; 15 nieces & nephews; grandparents: Gregorio & Felipa Quiroz; 16 aunts & uncles. He is preceded in death by his uncle, David Quiroz, grandfather, Felipe Reyes and fallen Brothers in Arms.

Visitation will be from 5-9 PM with a Rosary recited at 7:00 PM on Friday, January 26th. The Funeral will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 27th. All services will be held at Forest Park Lawndale. The interment will follow with Military Honors and the family will gather for a reception at the American Legion Hall, 7599 Avenue C, Houston, TX 77012.