Don W. Myers Sr.

Don W. Myers Sr.

92, of Seymour, passed away in the early hours of Thursday, July 25, 2013, at home with his wife and granddaughter by his side.

Born November 13, 1920, in Seymour, he was the son of the late Robert and Carrie (Ward) Myers. On February 2, 1980 he married the love of his life, Dana Lee Pataky in Ft Lauderdale, Florida.

Don graduated from Shields High School with the class of 1938 and attended Franklin College. He returned to Seymour to join in the founding of Kocolene with his mother and two brothers. He then spent a period of time with the Army Infantry from the years of 1944-1946, where he proudly served his country. After which he returned to Seymour where he raised his family, began his business endeavors, and built his legacy.

In 1963, his vestige began with seven gasoline stations, but his keen business sense impelled him to the founding of Swifty Oil Company, which expanded to 181 gasoline stations and convenience marts multiplying in a number of states. Never settling on his visions, in 1972 he founded Swifty Farms and advanced it to become Indiana's largest Thoroughbred racing and breeding farm. Amidst his constant support to the community, he was a dedicated member of the First Presbyterian Church, Seymour Elks Club, the Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America, where he served on the Advisory Board for six years, the Indiana Gasoline Marketers Association, where he also was on the Board of Directors, and during the 1950's he served on the Seymour Aviation Board. Don was the Chamber of Commerce 2007 Citizen of the Year and in 2008 was inducted to the Wall of Fame at Seymour High School.

He was very instrumental in developing Thoroughbred racing in the state of Indiana, as well as his heavy involvement in Thoroughbred racing throughout North America. He also was a member of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and Indiana's Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. Devoted to Jackson County, Don was a silent Philanthropist and many charities were blessed by his unwavering support.

Don is survived by his children: Jolene Endicott, Donald W. Myers Jr. (Judy), Jane Henkle (Dan), Jenny Ruth (Dr. Harry), his step-daughters Lisa Brown (Matt), and Denise Lawton (Rick) and Todd Scifres a neighbor, family friend, and employee. His family also includes grandchildren: Jay Endicott (Christine), Jill Baurle (Deryk), Janna Reed (Russell), Missy Jones (Brad), Donald W. Myers III (Cindy), Tim Myers, Amanda Hardebeck (Adam), Carrie Henley (Michael), Katie Walls (Chris), Kristen Riecke (Patrick), Kim Henkle, D.J. Henkle (Jordyn), Kelly DuMond (Steve), Ted Henkle (Alex), Tyler Henkle, Greg Ruth, Libby Ruth, his step-grandchildren Nick Goings (Memi), Tiffany Jackson (Elvin), Christina Lawton, and Tripp Lawton, as well as great-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren: Noel, Quinn, Rachel Endicott, Nicholasville, Kentucky; Megan, Evan, Madalyn Baurle Seymour; Caroline, Caleb Reed Seymour; Trey, Tyler Jones Franklin; Hayden, Lawson Myers Naples, NY; Josh Hess, Lafayette; Seth Myers, Mount Dora, FL; MacKenna, Gus Hardebeck, Indianapolis; Brindon, Jayden, Kamden, Rylen Walls, Jeffersonville; Daniel, Aaidan, Levi, Kelsey Riecke, Ft. Wayne; Kenzi, Griffin, Eli Henkle Seymour; Isaiah, Isabelle DuMond, PA; Brooklyn Henley Columbus, Indiana; Jake Henley, Seymour; Everett Jackson, Columbus, Ohio; Nixon-Kai Goings, Wilmington, N.C.

Don was preceded in death by great-grandchild Kami Walls and brothers Delbert and Pat Myers.

Friends may call from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday in Voss Chapel and on Tuesday at the church from 1:00 p.m. until time of service. A celebration of Don's life will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Seymour at 2 p.m., Tuesday, July 30 with Reverends John Erickson and Dr. Gene Gladney officiating.

Condolences may be sent to the family through Voss Funeral Service and memorials may be written to the First Presbyterian Church of Seymour, Girls, Inc. of Seymour, or the Don and Dana Myers Cancer Center through Voss Funeral Service, Seymour, IN.

All arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff of Voss and Sons Funeral Service and Tri-County Crematory , Seymour, IN.

A complete obituary may be viewed on the funeral home website at: http://www.vossfuneralservice.com