Ray Myers

Raymond LeRoy Myers had learned many of life's hardest lessons and gained much wisdom and conviction as a result. He determined at an early age that he was willing to work hard to gain success and happiness, and he knew that those things came from a dedication to family, not from money. He emerged from tremendous childhood difficulties with strength and a sense of purpose that were obvious throughout his lifetime to all who knew him.

As the new year began in 1914, celebrations marked the excitement many people had for the future. In the small city of Allegan, Michigan, Millard and Pansy (Fuller) Myers were somewhat preoccupied with the impending arrival of a child and on January 23 they were rewarded with a son, little Raymond. Eventually the bustling household grew to include five children, and Ray learned to share and to look out for his siblings.

Things were sometimes difficult at home, and in the sixth grade, Ray left school to find work. The challenges at home continued to discourage him, but he had hope that things could be better if he persevered. For a short time, he and his brother rode the rails.

One evening at a dance, Ray met a lovely young lady named Beatrice Whisler. It didn't take long for Bea and Ray to know that they were meant for each other. However, with the tensions mounting in Europe and the threat of an attack on the United States, many young men along with Ray enlisted in the U.S. Army. Even though his duty took him away from Beatrice, he served overseas for just less than five years, and was proud to have done so. They had a relationship like many of that time, through letters and heart felt correspondence. The war drew to an end and Ray was discharged on July 24, 1945. Ray wanted to marry the woman he had loved for so many years, and he and Bea took their vows on July 29, 1945.

Ray had not wasted any time finding a job, and took a position driving a dump truck. Work was always a priority to Ray. He took being a husband and father very seriously and made sure he did his part as the household provider. Ray and Bea went on to raise three dear children. Steven, Dawn, and Connie brought great pride and joy to Ray's heart. He provided for them by working at Fuller Transmission, then later as a gear inspector at Eaton Corporation where he retired in the late 1970s. Their discipline was fair and Ray was determined that his children would grow up with the sense of value, security, and love that his own childhood had lacked. He worked many ten-hour days and weekends to earn overtime so that Bea was available for the children and to insure that they had full bellies and solid shoes.

After being married 11 years, Ray and Bea began attending the Martin United Methodist Church. His faith became a vital part of Ray's life. He attended services faithfully and served in any capacity that was needed for the rest of his life. His faith also helped him to grow into the loving husband and father that he became.

Ray enjoyed the outdoors and liked sharing the fresh air and beauty of nature with his family. He frequently fished and liked to hunt small game, mostly squirrels and pheasants that he later prepared for family meals. They enjoyed camping together, a pastime he and Bea continued to take pleasure in even after the children were grown. Ray liked taking the family on day trips to the lake and was once declared a hero when he saved a little girl from drowning.

When Ray retired, he had more time to enjoy his Detroit Tigers. He loved baseball in general, but the Tigers were first on his list. If he could watch a game with a piece of blueberry pie topped with a scoop of Dean's vanilla ice cream, he was a happy man. He and Bea began spending winters at their small mobile home in the Orlando area. They loved soaking up the sun and visiting with their winter friends until Bea's gradually failing health made the long trip impossible. After over fifty years of marriage, Ray was grieved to lose his precious Bea when she passed away on January 5, 1996.

Ray took comfort in his faith and his family and exhibited strength even in the midst of his own grief in order to support others when they needed it. He consistently demonstrated a strong character and leaves his family with the example of a man who learned from hardship, took his responsibilities seriously, and loved his family more than his own comfort.

Raymond died on Saturday, November 25, 2006, at Borgess Nursing Home. He was preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice May (Whisler) Myers. Members of his family include his children: Steven and Pam Myers of Martin, Dawn and Jim Reeves of Delton, and Connie Janson of Kalamazoo; his grandchildren: Brenda Nelson of Oregon and Adam Myers of Hawaii; and many nieces and nephews.

Learn more about Ray, view his Life Story film, and visit with his family and friends on Tuesday, November 28, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, RDMG - Plainwell, 120 S Woodhams. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 29, at 2 p.m. at Martin United Methodist Church. Please visit Ray's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may share a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guest register, or view his Life Story film.