06/19/2010
Dr. Richard Wayne “Mick” Myers was born on April 20, 1928, the youngest of eight children, to Harvey and Grace (Hill) Myers.
He lived most of his life in Knoxville, with two exceptions, 5 years in Chariton and 2 years in Centerville. He was educated in Knoxville, where he participated in school athletics and other student-body activities
Richard graduated with the Class of 1946. Mick sort of drifted for four years, working at many different jobs – but not serious about any of them. In 1950 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served in the Continental United States, Japan and Korea before he was honorably discharged in 1953.
He married Marjorie Lea Van Driel in November of 1953 and to this union three sons were born: Kevin, Bradley, and Todd.
Mick attended Simpson College where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree, majoring in History and Physical Education and a minor in Biology. He accepted a teaching-coaching position at Chariton High School in 1957. After he received his Master of Arts Degree from Drake University he established a guidance and counseling service for the Chariton School System.
In 1962, Mick accepted a position at Centerville Community College to establish its first Admissions and Counseling service, as well as teach psychology and sociology.
In 1964 he made the decision to leave teaching and accept employment, as a psychology technician, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Knoxville.
During his 25-year career, he received a Ph.D. from Iowa State University in 1970 and became Chief of Counseling Psychology. He also held privileges in clinical psychology and was licensed as such by the State of Iowa. In 1989 Mick directed an 18-month research study for the University of Iowa.
He was always interested in sports, having coached at the high school level and many years at the little league and AAU levels.
He played independent softball for 22 years and other independent sports, as well as playing tennis for Simpson College for 3 years. He also enjoyed golf and social activities at Pine Knolls Country Club
Mick’s greatest joy in life was his wife and children. He enjoyed watching his sons’ progress from childhood to adulthood as he closely followed their interests and activities. He will be remembered as a person who touched his students, patients, family, and friends by trying to help them over rough spots and in their development.
Mick passed away on Saturday, June 19, 2010, at the Iowa Methodist Hospital, in Des Moines, at the age of 82 years, 1 month, and 30 days.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 5 brothers: Harry, Marshall, Gene, Stanley, and Bill, and two sisters: Arveta and Mary. Those left to honor his memory include his loving wife of 56 years, Marjorie; three sons: Kevin of Des Moines, Brad of Chariton, and Todd (Teresa) of Knoxville; 5 grandchildren: Joshua, Nicole, Kendall, Benjamin, and Katy and many other family members and friends.
Dr. Richard “Mick” Myers Memorial Service First Presbyterian Church Knoxville, Iowa Tuesday, June 22, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Bob DeYoung, officiating.
Musical Selections “How Great Thou Art” “In the Garden” Jim Kidder, organist Honorary Pallbearers Ed McDonald, Fred Hull, Dale Holst, John England, Graham Fee, Jim McCleery.
Interment Graceland Cemetery – Knoxville, Iowa Military Honors accorded by the American Legion Baty-Tucker Post No 168; the V.F.W. John Myers Post No. 3519.
The family invites relatives and friends to remain at the church for a luncheon immediately following the memorial service.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Knoxville Dollars for Scholars or to the Knoxville