David Crittenden Guinn

David Crittenden Guinn II was born on August 31, 1959 in Houston, Texas. He left this earthly life on July 4, 2025 in Corpus Christi due to complications treating cancer. He was the beloved son of David Crittenden Guinn and Sue Bethany Guinn, who preceded him in death.

David grew up in Houston, Denton, and Bryan, Texas before attending the University of Texas in Austin, where he graduated with a degree in Petroleum Engineering. Experiencing a challenging upbringing, David was granted a hardship drivers license at 15 and started working at a steakhouse in Bryan bussing tables and washing dishes to contribute to the family. This shaped his work ethic and grit. He was also a boy scout, where he fostered a love of nature and collaboration. He filled his free time socializing with friends, enjoying music through listening or playing bass guitar, engaging in various leisure and sport activities on Lake Travis.

Summers at school were spent helping his father build the drillship Tainaron. Upon graduating in ’82, petroleum jobs were essentially nonexistent, David got his start as a field engineer with Prudential Energy in Lovelady, Texas for a couple years before moving to Louisiana and working offshore with Placid Oil Company, where he earned a Petroleum Engineer promotion. Homesickness called and brought him back to Austin to help his dad, also a petroleum engineer, wheel and deal drilling prospects and to work with his dear friend Winston to restore luxury automobiles. The economy turned on petroleum-based endeavors at the most crucial career moments of David’s life despite many prerequisites for success. The tribulations transformed into resilience, as David recreated himself as a mechanical/chemical engineering contractor in a move to Corpus Christi with BHP Engineering and Construction. He began his career with Lyondellbasell in 2006. In Corpus he reunited with cousins  Mark, Scott, and Lee, and met the love of his life, Terri. They tied the knot at the Texas State Aquarium May 7, 1994, and welcomed their daughter, Emma, on January 4, 1996.

Since starting with LyondellBasell, David served the majority of the time as a Project Manager and Lead of the Capital Projects group. Notable projects of involvement include the Debottleneck project at both the LaPorte and Corpus Christi sites, and most recently he was involved in the Facility Siting Project which fortified several existing buildings on the Corpus Christi site and built the new Admin/Lab building. His attention to detail and exceptional project management skills enabled the successful execution of several large-scale projects which helped shape the Corpus Christi Plant. He was known for his passion of the teams he was involved with, fostering a sense of trust and belonging on a deeply human level. He was a mentor and friend to all colleagues, leading projects with the heart of a family builder.

David was a humble and kind husband, father, and friend with many talents, relentless desire to learn, and a had an incredible work ethic to propel passion projects and lend a hand to his neighbors. He loved water and snow skiing, mountain biking, grilling for a crowd, listening to vintage LPs, and tinkering on cars and whatever mechanical projects revealed themselves to him. His approach to life was earnest, with kindness and compassion that endured. His circumstances were often challenging, but he was committed to extending generosity where he was able, and never stopped learning or moving through life modestly. He dedicated his life to bringing people together—fostering lifelong connection with kindness, understanding, and forgiveness. The way he moved through his time on Earth is a testament to living meaningfully, beautifully, with purpose, and in service to the Lord.

David was not a man of tall physical stature, but his big heart and warm personality projected a larger aura. His passing has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of his family, friends and co-workers whose lives were touched by him. He will be remembered for the way he lived, and for the profound impact he had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

David is survived by his wife of 31 years, Terri; his daughter Emma; his sister Susan Grace Guinn; his sisters-and brothers-in-law Zonelle and Richard Myers, Mark Newman, and Paula and Kevin Pope; his mother-in-law Peggy Newman; his step-mother Marguerite Guinn; his step-brothers Jay and Jeff Guinn; numerous beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family would like to thank Dr. Scott Howell, Dr. Sean Meiner, and all the staff at Christus Spohn Shoreline. Their dedication to treating David with care and grace were instrumental in his last chapter, and the kindness and support they offered to the family was significant.

David’s celebration of life will take place at the First United Methodist Church in Portland, Texas at 2:00 pm on August 1, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in David’s name to the Portland FUMC Capital Campaign for the new Administration Center; or to a non-profit that David supported called Living Word Living Water Ministry that helps establish fresh water wells worldwide.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads' Funeral Home. (361) 643-6564 www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com