Anthony Wayne Wayne Myers

Anthony “Wayne” Myers was born in Seattle, WA on June 15, 1922 to the loving arms of his adoptive parents, Anthony Wayne Myers, Sr and his wife Katherine Walsh Myers. Those who were closest to him knew him simply as “Wayne,” or for those in his congregation as “Pastor Wayne.” He was raised by his mother Katherine in the Green Lake area of Seattle, WA with his many adopted brothers and sisters, whom he stayed in touch with throughout his whole life. He attended both Catholic and Protestant churches back and forth growing up, in which he developed a varied and interesting religious background which later influenced his decision to enter the ministry.

He was educated at Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR, the University of Chicago in Chicago, IL, and Manchester College in Manchester, United Kingdom, respectively. He studied philosophy and theology and in 1948 was ordained by the Grandview Congregational Church in Denver, CO, and then served as an associate Minister of the Country Club Congregational Church of Kansas City for eight years, followed by posts in Peoria and Naperville, IL. For twenty years he gave sermons at the Congregational Church of Campbell, UCC, at which time he received his Doctorate of Ministry from the Theological Seminary in San Anselmo, CA.

Wayne travelled and met many people along the way throughout his career. Famous and infamous, rich and poor, judges and prisoners; however, each were given the same degree of respect and attention which Wayne was known for, no matter what the circumstances. He was especially invested in children’s participation in church life, whether it was worship or choir. Those who will remember his beloved puppet character, “Charlie Rabbit” who would speak to the children during each one of his services.

Wayne met his devoted wife Brigitte Steindamm (or “Brix” as everyone called her) in Kansas City, MO. A recent immigrant from Germany, Brix married Wayne in 1956 where they started their family with a daughter, Katherine, and added a son, Peter, after they had moved to Peoria. Apart from his work in the ministry, Wayne enjoyed writing short stories, many of which were published, painting landscapes, and gardening. He also loved Bonsai, Japanese gardens, yoga, and learning French. Remembered as a loving husband, father, and friend, he is survived by his wife Brix, daughter and son-in-law Katherine and Art McBride, son and daughter-in-law Peter and Kathy Myers, and by beloved granddaughter Kellye Marin Byal.

Memorials in lieu of flowers are to be given to the Bethel Food Cupboard, Bethel Congregational United Church of Christ, 5150 SW Watson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005.