John William Myers

John William Myers went to his maker on June 5, 2021. He was born in September 1945 in Indianapolis. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, stepfather, Papa, uncle, friend, counselor, and advocate. Everyone who knew John loved him. He was a good person who always tried to do the right thing. A 1963 graduate of Lawrence Central High School, John was his class president and excelled in athletics and academics. He received a B.S. degree in Industrial Management & Statistics from Purdue University where was a member of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity. John enlisted in the United States Army in 1968 where he served with the United Nations Command, U.S. Army Support Group, Panmunjom, Korea. After leaving the Army, John returned to academics and earned a M.S in Education and Counseling as well as Graduate Certification in Public Administration from Indiana University. Most of John’s professional career was dedicated to public service and caring for others. For over 30 years, he worked in Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment for the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he counseled, guided, and supported the lives of countless veterans and their families. Even in retirement, his service and advocacy continued. He volunteered and was a board member for several organizations, including the American Legion Post and Partners in Housing. John was a vocal advocate for veterans as well as for equity and inclusivity. In the 80s and 90s, John served the city of Indianapolis as Chairperson, Hearing Officer, and 20-year member on the Marion County Human Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Advisory Board. He recently wrote a good reminder to us all: “Don't hesitate to speak out in favor of respect and empathy to our fellow human beings.” The son of John F. and Alice Myers, Johnny Bill (JB) grew up in Lawrence. His big sister Sandra (Sandy) was someone who he never had a fight with – the two were always close. He also always loved Sandy’s husband Gary like a brother. He was the beloved Uncle John (UJ) to their children Tracy (David) and Patrick, as well as other chosen family. John married MaryAnne in the year 2000, after many years of love and companionship. The two always enjoyed traveling and dancing together. With their union, John also became a foundation of love and support for her children and their partners/spouses: Ellen (Ryan), Karen (Greg), Tara (Peter), Shane (Kelly), Maureen (Lauren), and Erin (Mike). Later, he would become known as ‘Papa John’ to beloved grandchildren: Anna, Madeline, Aidan, Emerson, Lydia, Calvin, and Irene. John was an extraordinarily kind and patient father. He was a single parent to his three children Evan, Eli, and Lindsay. They put him to the test over the years, but he constantly gave them his unwavering love. Lindsay married Damon, and in 2018, John’s grandson Felix John was born. Felix was John’s buddy, and even a global pandemic couldn’t keep them apart – the two spent a lot time on video calls playing harmonica together. John was a friend and confidant to all who knew him. He was exceptional listener, a thoughtful orator, and an admirer of the written word. He loved poetry, music, travel, nature, and sports, especially his beloved Purdue Boilermakers. He often felt that there were few things more grounding than going outside at night and looking at the stars. He continued to be very active throughout his life, engaging in recreational sports. He found great joy for many years playing basketball with his buddies, the Freudian Slips. Later those guys were known as the ROMEOs – he treasured all his friendships. A celebration of life will be scheduled later this summer. If you have any memories to share, pictures, videos, stories, musical connections, his family would love to gather them. Please send to: [email protected]. John often said, “life is a not a competition; it’s a shared experience.” In lieu of flowers, please consider doing something nice for someone. Donations can also be made to Groundwork Indy or any organization that supports veterans, human rights, racial justice, or nature.