Thomas Lincoln Myers

Thomas L. Myers, former executive director of the Davenport YMCA, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 at Ridgecrest Retirement Home on Feb 11, 2025, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. There will be a visitation at the Ridgecrest Koning Chapel (4130 Northwest Blvd, Davenport, IA) on Friday, Feb 21st from 2-4 pm followed by a short memorial service at 4 pm. In lieu of flowers or memorials please consider a contribution to the YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley – Camp Abe Lincoln, 630 E. 4th St, Davenport, IA 52801.

Tom was born in Lima, Ohio, on Aug 12, 1933, to Richard and Ethel Myers. He was active in the Lima YMCA as a teenager, and attended George Williams College, where he was a member of the national collegiate champion men’s volleyball team. He graduated in 1955 and married Dona Jean Davis of Chicago, IL, on August 27th , 1955. The couple moved to Wausau, Wisconsin, where he was employed as the Physical Director of the local YMCA. The family moved to Davenport in 1958 and he assumed the same position at the Davenport YMCA. Tom was promoted to executive director in 1965. He retired from the YMCA in 1987 after completing a major renovation of Camp Abe Lincoln. Tom and Dona moved to Florida in 2000. After the death of his wife in 2007, Tom remained in Florida until he returned to Davenport in 2017.

Tom was a devoted father and husband, enjoying fishing, hunting, camping, and travel. He was best known for his passion in trading and collecting antique firearms. He assembled many different collections such as buffalo rifles and guns of the Civil War. These were displayed at antique gun shows throughout the US. He assisted national and international collectors in assembling their collections, and provided appraisal services for multiple insurance companies. He assisted with the formation of the Rock Island Auction Co, the world’s largest antique firearms auction house.

Tom is survived by his son, Craig (Cindy), and two granddaughters Jacqueline Myers, and Sarah Myers (Xavier).

Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Dona (Davis), son Jeffrey, and parents Richard and Ethel.