Dr. Oscar Guerra

Dr. Oscar Guerra, 83, of Hartsburg, MO, previously of Mission, TX passed away peacefully on October 10, 2022, with family by his side.  Dr. Guerra was born in Mission TX on 12 September 1939 to the late Cipriano and Bertha (Pena) Guerra.

  Dr. Guerra graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in Mission, TX in 1957.  After graduation Dr. Guerra pursued a career in dentistry, graduating from the University of Texas in 1965.  Dr. Guerra served briefly in the United States Army before transferring to the United States Navy, where he served until 1969.  Dr. Guerra completed his residency in Prosthodontics and Maxillofacial Prosthetics at M.D. Anderson, Houston, TX in 1971.

  Following his residency, Dr. Guerra relocated to Columbia, MO, accepting a position to establish and head the Dentistry and Prosthodontics Department at Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, ultimately becoming their Chief of Staff.  While at Ellis Fischel, Dr. Guerra continued his education at the University of Missouri earning a Master of Science, Public Health degree.  Dr. Guerra later went into private practice with offices in Columbia, Ashland, and Jefferson City, MO.  Dr. Guerra was known professionally as a brilliant prosthodontist who helped many recovering from the effects of cancer throughout his career.

Dr. Guerra was united in marriage to Debra (Porter) on November 15, 1997, in Columbia, Missouri, gaining two existing children from this union.  Dr. Guerra loved his family and friends, his beautiful farm, his dog Fritz and cat Houdi, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the Texas Longhorns (Hook ‘em Horns!).  Dr. Guerra was known to be a wonderful cook and, in his younger years, an excellent baseball player, an avid hunter and fisherman, a competitive marksman, and a champion archer.

  Dr. Guerra is survived by his daughters, Tara West (Jerry) and Michelle Porter-Remus (Jonathan); three grandchildren, Zachary Porter (Katie Berck), Katie Goerlitz (Riley), and Drew Goerlitz; one great grandson, Cooper Porter; his sister, Lita Guerra; Uncle Merrill and Aunt Janet Hafner; and many nieces and nephews.

  Dr. Guerra was preceded in death by his wife of 25 years, Debra Guerra; his parents, Cipriano and Bertha Guerra; and his brothers Cipriano (Cip) Guerra, Jose (Joe) Guerra, Humberto (Bert) Guerra, Xavier (Xavy) Guerra, Gerard (Gerry) Guerra, Luis Richard (Ricky) Guerra.

Friends will be received on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at 10:00 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.  A funeral mass led by Msgr. Michael Flanagan will begin at 11:00.  Burial to occur the following day, Sunday, November 13, 2022, at 1:00, led by Fr. Colby Elbert at Matthews Cemetery, Matthews, MO.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 East Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.parkermillard.com.