MYERS, John, Jr.

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, AZ Thursday, January 20, 2011 John Myers Jr., 78, of Flagstaff, died Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011, suddenly and peacefully in his sleep. Mr. Myers was an avid outdoorsman, devoted father, hardworking and compassionate man who devoted his life to his family and public service. His sudden death brought great sorrow, but his legacy will forever be remembered by the Flagstaff community, Coconino County, friends and his family. Mr. Myers joined the U.S. Army when he was 17 years old after graduating from high school in 1949. After graduating basic training, paratrooper "jump" school and Ranger school, he was assigned to the 187th Airborne Regiment Combat team in Japan. He stayed in Korea and Japan throughout the Korean Conflict and was discharged in 1953 as a "Buck Sergeant." He entered the Army Reserve and National Guard. After completing two years of college, Mr. Myers was hired by Rocketdyne, a division of North American Rockwell, and was involved with the Apollo Project. In 1965, he was remobilized and was deployed to Vietnam with the 82nd Airborne Division. In 1969, he was sent home with injuries to both legs and was discharged as Sgt. 1st Class. He was a recipient of two Purple Hearts. Mr. Myers worked for ADT as an alarm tech from 1972 until he retired in 1996. After being retired for a year, he began working for the Coconino County Health Department "Meals-on-Wheels" program, delivering meals and making friends with the many homebound people and senior citizens in our community. He really enjoyed helping people and visiting with the World War II generation. He also was part of the animal emergency team at the Coconino Humane Association; he always showed great compassion and care for the animals and the people he came in contact with on a day-to-day basis. He was active with the American Legion, where he was a Past Commander, and the V.F.W. He was a chaplain for both organizations. He was a member of Disabled American Veterans and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Mr. Myers is survived by his daughter, Marianne; son Shawn; adopted daughter Linda; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceeded in death by his son, Michael. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, AZ Friday, January 21, 2011 A memorial Mass will be today at 3 p.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Military Honors will follow at the American Legion, Mark A. Moore Post No. 3. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.norvelowensmortuary.com. Norvel Owens Mortuary is handling arrangements.