Robert C. Myers

Oct. 22, 1919 - Jan. 13, 2009

Robert C. Myers, 89, passed away Jan. 13, 2009, at Community Hospital in Anderson.

He is survived by his daughter, Pam Hockema; his granddaughter, Leanne (husband, Andy) Chapman; and three great-grandchildren, Clay, Lauren and Lilly Chapman.

He is also survived by special friends, Mary and Paddy Jamerson.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Jane Myers; his parents, Claude and Margaret Myers; and his sister, Helen Myers.

Bob was born Oct. 22, 1919, in Adrian, Mich., and his family moved to Anderson, in the year of his birth. He graduated from Anderson High School and attended Indiana University. In 1940, Bob entered the Army Air Corps Flying Cadet Service. He took his flight training in Arcadia, Fla., Lawrenceburg, Ill., and Augusta, Ga., where he received his silver wings and the rank of 2nd lieutenant in the Army Air Corps. He was then stationed in Nashville, Tenn., with the 22nd Division of the U.S. Air Force Air Transport Command, where he delivered aircraft to China, Russia and North Africa during World War II. He was trained to fly all military aircraft, but his fondest memories were of flying the B-17. He completed his military service as a captain in the Air Force in 1945. In 1945, Bob, his wife, and daughter returned to Anderson, where he operated the family business, Myers Sand and Gravel. He also opened and operated Anderson Rock Products in Pendleton. He was a partner in a small business group that developed and built the first front-loading concrete mixing trucks that are still being produced today. In 1978, he sold Myers Sand and Gravel to IMI, and purchased Heckaman Buick, which is now Myers Autoworld. He was also a partner in MGM Travel in Anderson.

After retiring, Bob and his wife spent their winters in Naples, Fla., where they eventually became full-time residents. They also enjoyed many great summer memories at their home on Lake Wawasee in Indiana. Bob was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Anderson Country Club, Kiwanis Club, and the past president of the Mineral Aggregates Association and Reserve Officers Association. Bob enjoyed traveling the world, especially to Africa, photographing and developing pictures of his travels and making digital slide presentations of his many travels of the world.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held on Friday at 4 p.m. at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Home, 229 S. Rangeline Road, Anderson, with Dr. James Edwards of Anderson University officiating the service.

The family will receive visitation one hour prior to the memorial service. Private burial will take place in Maplewood Cemetery in Anderson at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Anderson University, or a charity of the donor’s choice.