David Myers

Born August 31, 1940 to Robert H. and Josephine C. (Hafner) Myers, He married Lynn Oltman. He later married Shirley Turnbow-Rosson on September 5, 1981 in Peoria. She died May 17 2018. He was also preceded in death by his parents, one grandson, Mason Brown and one step-son, Charles Rosson.

Surviving are four children, Debra (Charles) Swanson of Pekin, Rodney (Jackie) Myers of Hartville, Ohio, Stephanie (Wayne) Altpeter of Pekin and Brenna (Roger Everhart) Gorman of Leavenworth Kansas; seven grandchildren, Emily (Rodrigo Jaime) Brown, Garrett (Logan) Myers, Jacob (Ashlee) Myers, Wade Sipes, Briana (Moriah) Gorman, Joshua Rosson and Calvin Rosson; 3 great-grandchildren; five siblings, Robert “Buster” (Carolyn) Myers of Marquette, Michigan, Karen (Clifford) Sandlin of Stuart, Florida, Terry (Robert) Zawacki of Falls Church, Virginia, Thomas (Judy) Myers of Arlington Heights and Catherine (Steven) Gomulka of Apex, North Carolina and many nieces and nephews.

David was a veteran of the United States Army.

He was one of six children. His family loved to listen to Dave and his siblings reminisce about growing up in Peoria. Such wonderful memories. He attended Spaulding Institute, graduating in 1958. He worked for Central Illinois Light Company, where he met Lynn Oltman. They married and he joined the Army, moving to Fort McPherson, Georgia.

After his discharge from the military, they settled in Marquette Heights, IL. Dave began his career as a part time employee of the Illinois News Service/Book Emporium, ending his time there as President of the company.

He married Shirley Rosson on September 5, 1981. One year they vacationed on Longboat Key in Florida. They loved it so much, they bought a little bungalow in the Village. This immediately became their Happy Place, and they spent as much time as possible on LBK. Upon Dave’s retirement, they moved there permanently. It was officially party time!

In 2015, Dave lost his left leg. Then, in 2018, he lost his beloved Shirley. He was devastated, but continued to be fiercely independent, golfing and enjoying life. Once he could no longer golf himself, he organized a golf league and loved riding around the course, chatting with the golfers and collecting wayward golf balls that he cleaned up and mailed to his family members. His children all have a passable golf game because of their father. He hit that ball low and straight.

Dave not only gave his children a lifelong love of golf, but also a deep and lasting love of reading. He left a legacy of avid readers by sending his children and their friends home with piles of books and comic books when they would go to “work” with him.

He had tons of good advice, and he shared it freely with anyone who would listen. There was never enough time to absorb it all. “Hold your feet still.” “Keep your head down.” “Always look over the water and the sand traps and you will make it to the other side.” “Make a plan, follow it step by step.” “Invest as much as you can into your 401K, and keep increasing that amount.” “MAKE LISTS.” “If you want to learn about something, read.” and “Do what makes you happy.”

He always, always had a smile, regardless of life’s challenges.

Dad entered the hospital on August 29 with pneumonia, passing away peacefully on the morning of September 4th. He and Shirley spent September 5th, their forty-second wedding anniversary, dancing together once again.They are both dearly missed by so many.

His Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, October 14, 2023 at the Bradenton, Church of God, 2520 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209.

Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin

Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com