Edward R Myers, Jr.

Edward Raymond was born on August 1, 1951, in Sikeston, Missouri to Edward Raymond Sr. and Betty (Miller) Myers. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Roger ‘Dale’ Miller.

Edward wasn’t much for formalities, so we see no reason to start now. He never once went by the name Edward and was rarely referred to by that name (except when printed in the newspaper). His friends referred to him as “Ed” or “Eddie” and perhaps in his younger days, some may have referred to him in other names that we won’t mention here. With that being said, the two names he truly loved to be called were Grandpa and Dad.

Ed had only one child, a daughter, Crystal (Myers) Johnson of Rossville, Illinois. However, when asked if she was his only child he would often reply, “that I know of...” So…, we suppose it is altogether possible there are more of us out there and if so, they missed out on one hell of a father. He had two grandsons, Isaac Johnson and Avery “Gus” Johnson. Ed leaves behind one brother, Rick (Teresa) Myers and a sister, Recka (Myers) Brackney both of Bartonville. He also leaves behind nieces Nicole (Myers) Rabe, Kim (Myers) Leman; and a nephew, who he lived with, Alan Myers. Had had three great nieces; Sarah Roberts, Kylee Rabe, and Emily Rabe. Pam (Kohal) Myers has been a special friend to Ed for many years. While marriage didn’t quite work for them, they were able to develop a special friendship and bond that lasted the remainder of his life. And while he would never admit to it, he was thankful to have such caring people in his life right up to the end. Ed was often short on words, but his eyes communicated the words he did not speak.

When Ed was asked what he did for a living, his typical response was, “As little as possible.” It is believed by most, that Ed was quite successful in this noble endeavor. He never did provide a real detailed answer, but we know he worked in the bar business. However, behind the bar wasn’t his scene. He enjoyed the stool on the opposite side where he was free to say as he pleased while enjoying his favorite drink, Bud Light in a can. Anyone familiar with Ed knew he had his daily routine, which later in life included a ‘sodie’ at E.R. & Betty’s Tap (The Bar) and mid-morning drinks at The Garden Gate (The Gate) which was then followed by an afternoon nap. He had a great love for NASCAR and never missed a Sunday appointment on his favorite stool or grilling out at E.R. and Betty’s.

More importantly than drinks at his favorite bars were the friends he would see each day. He valued friendships and if you were lucky enough to be Ed’s friend, you knew it. Trying to keep up with his social circle was nearly impossible, and to list all his drinking buddies would be a difficult task. He had many great memories over the years and if you asked him, he would tell you, “I lived my life and enjoyed it.” Perhaps one of the most recent memories of his day-drinking extravaganzas, at least for one lucky barber, was the day he received a haircut at one of his favorite bars. Not many people can say a barber was brought to them, but when Ed agreed and the opportunity presented itself, no one would let the moment pass… even if it was after several Bud Lights and in a bar.

It wasn’t always about day-drinking shenanigans. While Ed could be rather gruff and didn’t always wear his heart on his sleeve, he truly cared about others, especially those who were in need or had less than him. He once had a NASCAR coat that suddenly disappeared from his daily wardrobe. When asked what happened to his prized possession, he simply said, “Someone needed it, so I gave it to them. What was I going to do with it?” That’s just how Ed was. He would never tell anyone of his generosity, he never sought attention for his kind deeds, it was just who he was and he didn’t give a damn whether you liked it or not.

His closest friends continued to be the reason he visited The Gate and The Bar right up until the end. When he couldn’t make it out for his daily routine, he was appreciative of the friends who stopped by and visited him.

Ed really enjoyed being a grandpa. It was a real joy to watch Ed spending time with his little grandsons, Isaac and Avery (Gus). We got to see a side of him that we all knew existed but was rarely seen in public. He was a gentle and nurturing grandfather that loved the company of his little buddies. Ed and Isaac shared numerous deep conversations but one favorite topic they both enjoyed debating was grandpa’s beard and Isaac’s habit of sucking on his fingers. Isaac disliked grandpa’s beard and grandpa disliked Isaac sucking his fingers; both weren’t short on opinion. Ed finally promised Isaac that he would cut his beard if Isaac would stop sucking his fingers. While science may not support it, stubbornness IS a hereditary trait. To this day, Isaac still sucks his fingers and Grandpa left us with a full beard.

Ed and his youngest grandson, Gus, both shared a sweet tooth. Grandpa enjoyed eating chocolate covered whoppers, chocolate shakes, and oatmeal raisin cookies. When Gus visited grandpa, they spent their time together eating cookie after cookie, and of course, grandpa never let him go without just one more. Avery (Gus) became his Grandfather’s bedside buddy and shared many cuddles, and of course snacks.

While Ed wasn’t much for conversation and often quiet, he was quick-witted. Recently, after an emotional five-hour drive home from Mayo Clinic where he received a final cancer diagnosis, his first stop was ‘The Bar’ for a Bud Light and some gambling. As his brother Rick arrived and walked past Ed gambling, he asked him, “Are you having any luck?” Ed responded without hesitation, “No, but I knew that when I left the hospital today.”

While Ed rarely spoke of his time spent in the military, we would not do him justice if we failed to mention his service to our country. He served as an Armored Recon Specialist in the U.S. Army, V Corps, Bad Kissingen, Germany. During his service, he received the Expert Marksman’s Badge with Pistol Bar, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

A special thanks to Transitions Hospice team who took time to understand Ed and what was important in his life, as well as, being a great support to our family.

A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 24, 2019 at Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria. Pastor Chris Quick will officiate. Military rites will be accorded by the United States Army and the Tazewell Military Rites Team. We will then move to the family bar, E.R. & Betty’s Tap, in Bartonville, IL where we will celebrate the life of a Son, Father, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, and Friend, beginning at 11 a.m. We will celebrate in ‘Ed Style’ with Bud Light and shots of Hot Damn (his favorite) to reminisce the great memories we shared with a unique and special man. He wouldn’t want it any other way. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Creve Coeur.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com