George Joseph Myers September 4, 1922 – July 19, 2011

    George Joseph Myers, the eldest son of George Joseph Schneider and Wealthy Mae Myers, was born September 4, 1922 in West Branch, Michigan and peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 19, 2011.
    When George was four, his family grew when a half brother, Henry Rosenthal, was born. Later half sisters Caroline, Alice, Leona and Betty Rosenthal (who died in infancy) would complete the family circle.
    As a youngster, George wanted to ‘see the sights’ so he would often hop on a freight car of a train that was known to run through the town. He joined the Civil Conservation Corp as a young teen and worked in the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan planting trees that would one day replenish those that had been lost to forest fires that swept the area. He relished being able to help in the construction of many of the wooden toboggan runs that would provide hours of entertainment for families even yet today.
    George met the love of his life, Eunice Irene Atherton, through a mutual friend and they were later married on July 18, 1943. They had the privilege of sharing their 68th wedding anniversary on the day just before his death. George and his bride began their family during his time serving his country and to this union were born Garry Dean (died in infancy), John Joseph, Leora Sue, Robert Eugene and Kathleen Ann.
    With the onset of WWII, George joined the US Army and proudly served four years as a staff sergeant for the country he so loved. He was an MP and Stevedore while serving in the Philippines and stateside. In later life George became a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #172 where he felt honored to be able to take part in the funeral military rites of his comrades that were deceased.
    George worked for a time after the war as a truck driver but, as his family grew in size, he felt the need to do something else so he left the business and went on to complete an apprenticeship to become a baker that would allow him to be at home more. This would be his occupation for the next 25 years. He worked during the night hours preparing breads, cakes, pies and a variety of sweet rolls and donuts for the community to be able to purchase the next morning.
    Even though he would work the late night hours, he always made time for his children and their activities. He took much pleasure in taking a group of kids on a hike through the state park (even though he had never been on the trail before). He also enjoyed many hours fishing with his kids and never complained when they would ask ‘one more time’ for him to bait their hook.
    In June of 1973 George and his family moved to Lamoni, Iowa to be closer to ailing family members. George worked for the railroad and as a Pinkerton Guard for a few years and then as his children grew to college age, he went to work at Graceland University in the maintenance department to help pay their tuition. While there he became a surrogate father to all who needed one. He left the college in 1980 and he went to work for Ringgold County Hospital working in the maintenance department. It was there that he retired in April 2000 after working more than 19 years.
    George was a kind and gentle man who never spoke badly of anyone and never missed the opportunity to help someone in need. As a neighbor, he would willingly help clean up broken tree limbs after a storm and felt it a pleasure to take the trash can of his neighbor who had a stroke back up and set it in its proper place.
    George was baptized into the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as a young man and currently attended the Church of Jesus Christ Mount Ayr Restoration Branch where he remained a faithful servant until the time of his death.
    Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Eunice, of the home; sons, John (Veronica) of Otterville, Missouri and Robert of Panama City Beach, Florida; daughters, Sue Beck of Kellerton, Iowa and Kathleen Myers of Creston, Iowa; sisters, Caroline Farrand of Bridgeport, Michigan and Leona (Harry) Briggs of West Branch, Michigan; brothers-in-law, Dean Atherton of West Branch, Michigan, David (Martha) Gussman of Independence, Missouri, Leo (Linda) Gussman of Independence, Missouri; sister-in-law, Marge Craft of Oakland, California; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
    Celebration of life services will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, July 30, 2011 at the Church of Jesus Christ, Mount Ayr Restoration Branch with High Priests Sherman Phipps and H. Alan Smith officiating. There will be a flag presentation by Ringgold Post #172. Private burial of cremains will take place at Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr.
    A memorial fund has been established in his name to be decided later.
    Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr is in charge of the arrangements.