1945
2021
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.
Sponsored by Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home - Wakarusa.
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 - Wakarusa501 North Elkhart Street, Wakarusa, IN 46573
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