Gary Gene Myers' Obituary
Born Gary “Gene” Myers in Yakima, Washington on May 19, 1940; he passed away peacefully after a long battle with prostate cancer on January 8, 2021. Gene was primarily raised in Wallowa Oregon by his parents Alice and Vern Anderson. He indulged in his passions by fishing, hunting, and playing high school basketball and football affectionately called “Bullet” by his classmates due to his quick penetrating speed. After graduating from high school in 1958, he enlisted in the Army wanting to serve his country dutifully.
Gene’s first tour of duty was in Germany where he met the love of his life, Renate. After a courtship in the romantic city of Kassel, they married and soon had their first child, Patricia (Pattie) in April 1961. Gene completed his Army tour and brought his family back home to Oregon. Soon after, their second daughter Jeanmarie was born in March 1963.
In the Spring of 1964, Gene returned to the Army entering Army Officers School receiving his commission in 1966. Upon his completion, he served in Vietnam. After surviving the Vietnam War, he attended Military Flight school earning his Aviator Wings in 1968. He was assigned as a Pilot in various Military’s commands all over the world; the most famous being the 3/7th Calvary Battalion.
Cpt. Myers was a highly decorated Vietnam Veteran ,during his tour of duty in Vietnam he was awarded the Purple Heart and two Bronze stars for Valor, for his heroic action in combat.
Throughout his military career Gene also served as an Infantry Officer with the 25th and 4th Infantry Division which earned him the Infantry Badge. He was helicopter pilot, Platoon Leader and a Company Commander. He moved up the ranks to Army Captain and Major in the reserve, obtaining his BA at Evergreen State College in Washington.
He moved his family to various bases such as Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington; Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia; Camp Wolters in Mineral Wells, Texas; Ft. Stewart in Savannah Georgia; Schweinfurt, Germany, returning to finish his career at Fort Lewis making his home in Lakewood, Washington in 1983. No matter where he landed, he continued to share with his family his love of fishing, boating and traveling in the family’s campers.
After 23 years of military service, Gene retired by purchasing a commercial fishing boat partnering with father, Vern, operating out of Westport Washington and Sitka Alaska. After his career in fishing, he once again retired taking up a career as a substitute teacher in the Lakewood School District. He loved teaching because the children not only called him “Cpt.” Myers but listened to all his stories of his glory days!
In addition to his love of hunting and fishing, he took up gold mining, collecting dredging and gold mining equipment as well as purchasing gold mining rights in various properties. He shared his love for the outdoors whether it was boating, catching fish, crabbing, capturing wildlife, metal detecting, or finding gold nuggets with his two grandchildren hoping they would love and appreciate it as much as he did. Gene continued these passions until the end of his life.
After his cancer diagnosis , Gene was able to take a trip sponsored by Puget Sound Honor Flight for Veterans with his oldest daughter, Pattie, viewing all the memorial sites honoring his service for his country. He felt truly special. They say soldiers are average men who do courageous things, but Gene was also a loving husband, a wonderful father, an awesome grandfather, loyal brother, son, a special friend, and a warrior to the end. It goes without saying the sacrifices he made for our country and his family will never be forgotten and speaks true to the selfless man he was.
Gene is survived by his wife, Renate Myers, his two daughters Pattie Reutimann (husband Dick) and Jeanmarie Myers (wife Debra), two grandchildren, Tyler Reutimann and Erika Hetherington (husband Cody), his brother, Ron Myers (wife Linda) and nephews.
Gene took his place of honor among those who have gone before and now he will be remembered for now and evermore. Due to COVID-19, the family will have a full military private graveside service with a future celebration of life when allowed.
The Myers family would like to extend our love and gratitude to all of you who provided us with your love & support during these difficult times. Remembrances may be made to the Disabled American Veterans because Gene was 100% disabled veteran as well.
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