Dr. Richard W. Myers, of Pinehurst, passed away peacefully Saturday, Aug. 18, 2012, at his home in the arms of his beloved wife, following a long illness.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday Sept. 8, in Peoria, Ill. Cremation rites have been accorded.
He was born Nov. 20, 1928, to the late Dr. William and Henrietta Myers, in Moline, Ill. He graduated high school from Culver Academy in Culver, Ind., and maintained a friendship formed there throughout his life. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois and St. Ambrose College, and his graduate and post graduate studies at the University of Kansas. He was a member of Sigma Xi, Phi Lambda Upsilon and Phi Sigma scholastic organizations. He was also a member of the American Chemical Society and the American Association of Clinical Chemists, and was a former Rotarian.
His career as a clinical biochemist spanned 35 years. During that time he served as instructor, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Kansas; clinical biochemist, Aultman Hospital, Canton, Ohio; director of clinical chemistry/toxicology, St. Francis Medical Center (SFMC), Peoria, Ill.; biochemist/toxicologist, Pathology Associates of Peoria, SFMC; assistant professor of biochemistry, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria; supervisor, pathology residency rotation in clinical biochemistry and toxicology, SFMC; lecturer in postdoctoral residency programs in laboratory medicine, SFMC; course lecturer at Bradley University; lecturer in clinical biochemistry for Medical Laboratory Technology Programs, UICOMP and SFMC; laboratory medicine consultant for Graham Hospital, Canton, Ill., Cottage and St. Mary’s Hospitals, Galesburg Ill., and St. Margaret’s Hospital, Spring Valley, Ill.; and as an expert witness.
He loved sports and the outdoors. He was an avid and accomplished golfer, participating in many tournaments, among them the Illinois State Amateur. He was also active in tennis competition and enjoyed running, swimming in his pool, working in his yard, and cars.
He was a former member of Mount Hawley Country Club in Peoria, where he served two terms as president, and a member of Pinewild Country Club in Pinehurst, where he was a member of the inaugural board of governors. In that capacity he served as golf chairman and was instrumental in the design of the swimming and tennis facilities. He was also a past president of the Pinewild Men’s Golf Association.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Janell Myers, whom he called “JJ” and who was his life partner, best friend and soul mate. He is also survived by three children, Richard W. “Rick” Myers II, of Peoria, Peter C. Myers and wife, Paige Nankivil, of Eau Claire, Wis., and Karen A. Woolley, of Peoria, along with their mother, Marilyn Leu, also of Peoria. In addition, he is survived by three granddaughters, Brittany Lees, of Peoria, Ashley Woolley, of Chicago, and Eydie Myers, of Eau Claire; a sister, Virginia Davis and husband, Ken, of Webster, Texas; a brother, William Myers and wife, Ceil, of Huntley, Ill.; an aunt, Betty Gunther of Hot Springs Village, Ark.; several cousins, nieces and nephews; his cat Heidi; and many who called him friend.
A sister, Marian Hellstrom, his parents, and stepmother, LaVerne Myers, preceded him in death.
He loved dancing with his wife, the sound of falling rain, the crackle of a wood fire, and ice cream, and had an engaging sense of humor. He will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, and will be loved and missed forever.
Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to FirstHealth Hospice and Palliative Care, 105 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374; or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Way, Memphis, TN 38105.
The family is being served by Boles Funeral Home in Southern Pines, and Wright and Salmon Mortuary in Peoria.
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