Published: July 31, 2008 02:43 am            

Jon Michael Myers

Mike Myers, 60, passed away on July 29 at the VA Hospital in Temple after a long battle with complications from his exposure to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam.

He was born in Abilene, Texas on Jan. 19, 1948 to William Edgar Myers and Sylvia Lynette Fincher Myers. After living in Albany and Electra, he moved with his family to Palestine in 1960.

During high school, Mike was an outstanding athlete. He was a key player when PHS won the 1964 state championship in football and set many records during that time. He also ran track, winning numerous medals and trophies in many events, including the 100-yard dash, low hurdles and relay. By his account, he still holds the record for the 100-yard dash as it was later changed to the 100-meter dash.

After his graduation in 1966, he attended HCJC, now TVCC, where he played football and participated in local rodeos. He then attended East Texas State University, now Texas A&M Commerce, before enlisting in the Army in September 1969.

After completing specialized military training, Mike went on to complete his tours of duty as an Army SPE5 Special Forces in Vietnam until his honorable discharge in 1972. After returning home, he continued with his education by completing a bachelor of science degree in Industrial Management and a majority of courses toward his master’s.

Before retiring due to combat-related PTSD, Mike was the Director of Operations for two major transportation companies, Auto Convoy Systems in Dallas and PMT in Piedmont, Calif.

Mike lived his life to the fullest, on the edge with little or no boundaries. Be it riding his horse in the hallways on Western Day, buzzing the football field in a “borrowed” airplane, riding wild bulls or his beloved Harley, he embraced the thrill of living as few others have. He enjoyed sky diving, deep sea diving, photography, catamaran racing, water skiing, cooking, traveling and telling stories of his escapades. And of course he always appreciated the full attention of his audience.

Preceding him in death was his mother, Lynette Myers, in 1997; and his best friends, Bob and Toni Callaway.

He is survived by his father, Ed Myers of Palestine; sisters Deborah Myers Denson of Houston, Marcy Myers of Palestine and Kelly and husband Tom Weaver of Henderson; son, Michael “Bud” Myers and wife Marla of Houston; daughter, Aaron Montanez and husband Tommy of Austin; grandchildren, Thomas, Grace and Benjamin Myers and Julia and Will Montanez; one niece, Amanda May of Palestine; three nephews, Kace Shirey of Palestine, Brock Denson of Dallas and Jeff Denson of Houston; longtime friend, Sue Hewitt of Shreveport; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday at Herrington/Land of Memory Chapel followed by a “celebration of life” at 7 p.m. at Shelton’s Gin, 310 E. Crawford.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Stockpot, 410 Avenue A, Palestine, Texas 75801 or the local DAV chapter, 927 Gardner Drive, Palestine, Texas 75803.

        

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