Harold R. Myers

Harold Rue Myers was called home to the presence of his Lord and Savior in the early morning hours of Monday, May 29, 2023. As befitting a stalwart Navy veteran, he left this earth for his heavenly home on Memorial Day.

Harold was born to Harry Levon Myers and Lucile Mitchell Myers on November 20, 1932 in Carnegie, Oklahoma. He grew up in the company of two older brothers, Leon and Darrell. He attended Watonga High School, playing baseball and football, where he met the love of his life, Gloria Constance Nichols. After mustering the courage to ask her on a date, they became a couple and the rest is history. Inseparable for the next seventy years, they set out together on life’s great journey. Harold joined the Navy after graduation but they cemented their bond through daily letters. Married on July 27, 1952 they were stationed in San Diego, Vallejo and Pearl Harbor. Eventually he shipped out to Korea and Connie returned to Oklahoma. Their first son Mark was born while Harold was overseas and was five months old when he and his father first met. With the war’s end Harold headed home to Oklahoma and the eventual births of sons Tim and Scott.

Determined as always to make the most of every opportunity, he attended Oklahoma State University using his GI Bill benefits. Upon graduation he worked for Oklahoma State as superintendent of the Agronomy Research Station at Cherokee Oklahoma. He then became superintendent of Agronomy Research of OSU in Stillwater. He and Connie settled in making Stillwater their home. They joined the First Presbyterian Church serving as youth sponsors, teachers, elder, and deacon. Harold served on the board of the Boy Scouts with all of their boys becoming active in scouting. They developed countless friendships treasured throughout their lives.

Harold’s passion for learning led him to pursue a Master’s degree and then a Doctorate of Education at Oklahoma State. After completing his formal education, Harold was offered a post at the University of California as head of their Agricultural Research Facilities. He and Connie continued their great adventure and again became highly involved in the life of the First Presbyterian Church of Sacramento. They formed new friendships while maintaining their ties in Oklahoma with family and friends. After fourteen wonderful years, they retired; Harold from the University of California and Connie from the Veteran’s Administration.

They returned to Oklahoma and joined the First Presbyterian Church of Oklahoma City where they quickly became involved in church life, serving in many capacities. Again, they formed enduring friendships. One of Harold’s many joys was the founding of and serving in the Rat Pack which took on many odd jobs around the church. Nothing was too big or too small to merit their attention.

Their life in Oklahoma revolved around church and family but they also enjoyed traveling – especially in Europe, fellowship with old and new friends, golf and bridge, and especially the joy of times spent with their three sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They attended games, dance recitals, musical performances, and any and everything to do with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Harold was a carpenter extraordinaire, and all who visited his shop were amazed at what he could do with his hands and the wonderful tools he had.

Harold was preceded in death by his precious wife, Connie, and his two brothers, Leon and Darrell. He is survived by his sons Mark and his wife Krista, Tim and his wife Diann, and Scott Myers. He was a beloved grandfather to Michelle Johnson and her husband Matt, Katharyn McCarty and her husband Casey, Stephen Myers and his wife Ally, and David Myers and his wife Kate. His great grandchildren are Jacqueline, Matthew, Sean, and Nicholas Johnson; Joanna, Jameson, Beckett, and Benjamin McCarty; LolaRose and Bearett Myers; and Atlas Myers. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Mary Beth Myers, many loving nieces and nephews, and dear cousins Seta Arrowsmith, and Levon Chilingirian; as well as many wonderful friends.

Harold was a man of many gifts and talents. He loved to research and increase his knowledge about whatever interest he was pursuing. But truly his greatest gift was setting an example, with Connie by his side, of how a Christian and true gentleman lives. The legacy he leaves behind is that of a hero to those who loved him most and showing us all how to live life to the fullest.