1st SGT (Ret.) Harpin Ezekiel Myers Sr.

Harpin Sr. was born January 9, 1932 in Tampa, Florida, the son of Anthony Myers and Pauline Stanley. Harpin was one of six children and spent his early years in Tampa. Once he graduated from high school, he attended Florida A&M to study dentistry, but was drafted into the army where he would spend the next twenty four years of his life traveling the globe and serving his country. While stationed at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, he met the love of his life, Margaret Johnson who he would be married to for sixty six years and would raise a family of eight children.

1SGT Myers served with distinction including combat tours in Korea and Vietnam. He also served as an instructor at the West Point Prep academy and as a drill instructor at Fort Qrd, California. His primary function over his military career was in the infantry; serving with the First Cavalry Division, the Second Armored Division, and the 101st Airborne. His military service was a great source of pride and through that service, he distinguished himself and grew to touch a great many lives.

Harpin, Sr. was a highly decorated veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars. In the course of his career, he earned numerous medals including the Vietnam Service Medal with 1 silver and 2 bronze service stars, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), the National Defense Service Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster, the United Nations Service Medal, Bronze Star w/ Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Korea Presidential Unit Citation, the American Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge w/ Silver Star and the Marksman Rifle badge.

After a distinguished military career, Harpin, Sr. worked in the civil service at Fort Hood, Texas managing the Red Team gymnasium for almost twenty years receiving several commendations and accolades for the high quality of service and leadership he exhibited while managing the gym. He retired from civil service in 1995 and spent time enjoying his grandchildren and perfecting his fishing skills.

1SGT Myers is survived by seven of his children and their spouses, Harpin Jr. and wife Kristina, Sylvania, Chris and wife Lynn, Mel, Eric and wife Sandra, Ronnie and wife Kimberly, Patrick and wife Wendy. He also leaves behind 27 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his brother Randolph Myers.

He was preceded in crossing over by his loving wife, Margaret, and son Todd.

Harpin Sr. leaves behind a legacy of leadership, loyalty, and devotion to his faith and his family. He was always there with a kind word, great advice, and the kind of sense of humor that could bring warmth to any situation. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, and mentor. He touched so many lives and was beloved in his community and beyond. Harpin Sr. was a true soldier and a proud veteran. His accomplishments were many over the years, but he was most proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

1SGT (RET) Harpin E. Myers, Sr. will be laid to rest at the Central Texas State Veteran's Cemetery in Killeen, Texas on March 10 at 10 AM.

In lieu of flowers and according to lSGT Myers' wishes, please give a donation to the Fisher House project for veterans in memoriam at the link here: https://connect.fisherhouse.org/campaign/ln-Loving-Memory-of-1SGT-RET--Harpin-E--Myers--Sr-

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crawfordbowerscopperascove.com for the Myers family.