Herbert K. Guthrie; Retired De Anza Principal

Herbert Keith “Tex” Guthrie, a former principal of De Anza Junior High School and founding member of the Ventura County Tennis Assn., has died in his Ventura home. He was 85.

Guthrie, who died Saturday, was born Dec. 22, 1911, in Milan, Mo. He earned a degree from USC in 1940, then moved to Ventura to teach. In 1942, Guthrie entered the Army Air Corps and returned to Ventura in 1945. He taught at what is now Cabrillo Middle School and, in 1957, transferred to De Anza Junior High, from which he retired as principal in 1976.

Guthrie loved tennis and young people. He blended the two interests when he helped found the county’s Junior Tennis Assn. He also helped found the annual Ventura Junior Tennis Tournament.

A member of the Cabrillo and Pierpont racquet clubs, Guthrie served as an official at numerous Southern California tennis tournaments. He was also a member of the Southern California Umpires Assn.

He was a member of Community Presbyterian Church in Ventura and served as a board member of the Boys & Girls Club of Ventura.

He is survived by his daughter, Sharon R. Guthrie of Laguna Hills; his son, Robert B. Guthrie of Ventura, two nephews and a niece.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Community Presbyterian Church, followed by a reception at the church’s Fellowship Hall. A private burial will follow.

Contributions may be made to Community Presbyterian Church, local Boys & Girls clubs or the charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura.