Obituary of Kenneth Paul Myers, Jr

Kenneth Paul Myers Jr, 77, of Niles, Michigan, passed away at 11:38 a.m. on September 10, 2019, following a brief stay at Riveridge Healthcare in Niles. Kenny was born in South Bend, Indiana on April 11, 1942, to Kenneth and Irene (Case) Myers. He was the youngest of four children. 

In 1961 he graduated from Mishawaka High School. In 1962, he joined the Army Reserves, serving his country for 6 years in both South Bend, Indiana and San Francisco, California. 

In the spring of 1963, he met Mary Lou Scott of South Bend, Indiana, who he wed on June 14, 1963. They celebrated 56 years of marriage this summer.  As newlyweds they ventured to California, living in both Burlingame and Haight-Ashbury in San Francisco before coming home to raise their family in Niles, Michigan. 

Kenny retired after working 40 years in the printing industry.  Most of his career was spent at Imperial Printing in St Joseph, Michigan and Ave Maria Press on the Notre Dame campus where he helped set up their original lithography department. In his retirement years, he spent 11 years driving for Enterprise. Kenny did not consider this work. As he always said, “He drove nice vehicles, had good conversation, made friends and as a bonus was paid for it.”

He spent his leisurely time on the golf course or fishing, and in his early years coached Little League Baseball. He was a fan of the Cubs, Chicago Bears, and never missed a Notre Dame Football game.  He loved a good practical joke, even if it was at his expense. If it was a good one, he was only sorry that he didn’t think of it first. 

Kenny was always very proud of his family. His daughter and especially his granddaughters brought much joy into his life.  He always valued his family and friends, often giving his most prized possessions to people who made a difference in his or his family’s life. Once when with a group of friends, he was asked if he could pick which day had been the best day of his life.  Kenny replied, “Every day, every day brings something new!”

Kenny is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Myers of Niles; daughter, Christine (Bill) Neff; granddaughters, Alexis Neff and Kristin “Rosebud” (Matt) Haag; Grandpa assured to her in his last days, “You got a good man!”  His sister, Patrica Jennings (O.H.); nieces and nephews, who knew him as Uncle Butch that he cared for very much.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Irene Myers; sisters, Betty Miller, and Delores Smith; nieces and nephew, Emily Greene, Connie Bowlds, and James Miller. 

Kenny spent his final days in the care of Caring Circle Hospice, the wonderful caregivers of Riveridge, and the company of family and friends.  Kenny said his goodbyes and on Tuesday, September 10th squeezed his wife’s hand and peacefully left for his biggest journey yet. 

We will miss and love him always. 

Memorial contributions in his memory can be made to Caring Circle Hospice at Home, or to the Dementia Society of America, to further research for a cure.