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Fred Myers

1945 - 2021

Fred Myers obituary, 1945-2021, Elkhart, Indiana

Fred Myers Obituary

WAKARUSA - Fred Myers, 75, of Wakarusa, died at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 25, 2021, at Miller's Merry Manor of complications from a stroke.

Fred was born on Dec. 24, 1945, in Elkhart to Kenneth and Mary (Nettrour) Myers. He was a 1965 graduate of Concord High School and was a member of the 1964 and 1965 state champion gymnastics teams. He was the individual state champion in gymnastics for tumbling both his junior and senior year. He is a member of the Concord Athletic Hall of Fame for his exploits in both gymnastic and track. Fred went on to compete in gymnastics at Indiana State University where he received his undergraduate degree. He also holds a masters degree from Indiana University.

Fred served in the United States Army in Germany during the Vietnam War. He worked at Wa-Nee Community Schools as an educator, primarily as a physical education teacher, for 43 years retiring in 2017. He was passionate about learning and reaching students as both a teacher and coach.

Fred was proud of his coaching career at NorthWood where he coached gymnastics from 1976 to 1981, track and field from 1981 to 1995, and cross country from 1987 to 1992. Coach Myers was inducted into the Elkhart County Sports Hall of Fame in 2013 for his time both as an athlete at Concord High School and as a coach at NorthWood High School.

The most important thing in Fred's life was his family. He considered his students and athletes as part of his family.

On March 25, 1972, Fred married the love of his life, Linda Roeder in Wakarusa, and they built a loving family in their 49 years of marriage. She survives along with three daughters, Mandy (Nick) Davis of Nappanee, Betsy (Jack) Cowan, Syracuse, and Emily (Brok) Odiorne of Wakarusa; six grandchildren, Cooper Davis, Cole Davis, Drew Davis, Sadie Cowan, Davis Cowan and Caine Odiorne; and two sisters, Ginger (Gary) Crowder-Newcomer of Milford and Linda (Sam) Johnson of Palmetto, Florida.

Fred was a member of the Wakarusa United Methodist Church. Cremation will take place and there will be a celebration of life service held at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made in Fred's name to the NorthWood Scholarship Association.

Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Wakarusa.


To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Elkhart Truth on May 27, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
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Xen Tara

June 12, 2021

Coach Myers walked into my 1978 7th grade gym class, dropped his clipboard, and did a standing back-flip. I was hooked. For the next 6 years Coach Myers was one of the most influential people in my life, and actually still remains so to this day. His teachings were a bit unorthodox for the time, but as I grew into adulthood, everything he ever said made more and more sense. In 1980 he recommended that I read "As A Man Thinketh" a book that i still carry with me today, torn pages and all. I am so grateful for the time I was able to spend with Coach. Life's battles are not always won by the fastest or strongest, but to those that Think They Can! RIP Coach

Tami Henry

May 29, 2021

Mr. Myers was my PE teacher in school. He was a awesome teacher. He will greatly missed. Prayers with the family.

Talia Reed

May 29, 2021

Mr. Myers was a hard-worker, who clearly loved his job. In the 13 years I knew him as a fellow-teacher, he was a constant. And his habit of making himself a delicious-smelling bag of popcorn in the break room always left me craving some myself. His positive attitude and friendly smile will be sorely missed. My sympathy and prayers go out to the family.

Hanna Hauptli

May 28, 2021

Mr. Myers was an amazing teacher at NorthWood Middle School. He was my cheerleader and stayed by my side and help me loose weight and when I was in his weight room I was so happy. Mr. Myers always gave me hugs and I would always go upstairs to his room say bye him before going home. I will truly miss him. God Bless You Mr. Myers rest in peace.

Mary Ann Krzyzanowski

May 28, 2021

I remember being a first year teacher and asked to coach girl’s track and basketball. Basketball I kind of knew what to do but knew nothing about track. Fred came through with exercises and books on high jump and shot put. I don’t think I could have made through that season if not for his help. I also have a memory hat still brings up a laugh. One Christmas we had a gift exchange that as to be sort of a white elephant and I got a heart frame with Fred’s picture in it. Thank you Fred for all you did for this struggling teacher/coach.

Tonda Alwine

May 28, 2021

I loved watching Fred do his thing in Gymnastics. He was great! Always a nice guy and a gentleman. RIP

Andrew Whitehead

May 28, 2021

My condolences to Mr. Myers' entire family. I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Myers influenced so many people and I will always hold my memories of him close to my heart. I am grateful for his life and example.

Jerry Sellon

May 28, 2021

Happy Trails My Friend

Bart Rice

May 27, 2021

Fred was a great teacher in the Wa-Nee Community and an example of someone who never expected less than his best, from himself or from those around him. He will be missed.

Marla Watkins McCreery

May 26, 2021

Linda and family, he will be missed by the entire CHS class of "65. My sincere condolences to you, his children, grandchildren and his sisters.

Jeanette Esenwein

May 26, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Susan Shetler

May 26, 2021

Sorry to hear this, you were always kind to the Bechtel kids when you lived behind us on Olive st, prayers for the family Susan (Bechtel) Shetler

Andy Grimm

May 26, 2021

Fred was a great coach and friend. He pushed us hard and made us think. I graduated from Northwood 26 years ago and still often think about Fred and the things he said and taught me. A few of these were always sticking up for the little guy or someone being picked on or bullied. Another was to never quit early or give up. In track Fred insisted we must run hard through and past the finish line. To this day I can’t do a workout or go for a run without something Fred said popping into my mind. If I say to myself, I’m going to run to the end of this block, I must run past it. I guess I’m thinking Fred might be watching or find out if I don’t. Now I will have to make sure I continue to do this as I know he is looking down on all of us. From Heaven he still has the ability to inspire us and make us stronger. He was a great man and made those around him better athletes and better humans. Rest in Peace my friend! You will always be in my head and heart.

Terry Graber

May 26, 2021

Sorry to hear , I will never forget him being my gym teacher especially my track coach,he has my respect and appreciated the time and lessons I learned from him, Thank you Fred! Prayers to the Family..

Nathan Wiggins

May 26, 2021

Fred was the best coach I had growing up. He really knew how to get the best out of his athletes. I learned a lot from him!

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Funeral services provided by:

Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home - Wakarusa

501 North Elkhart Street, Wakarusa, IN 46573

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