John "Red" C. Myers

John “Red” Clifton Myers, 87, of Boynton, Oklahoma passed away Sunday, September 30, 2012. He was born June 29, 1925 to William Clyde Myers and Maude Johnson Myers. He joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. He was a member of the Destroyer Squadron 23 from 1943 to 1946 serving in the South Pacific on the USS Charles E. Ausburne. Shortly after returning home from the Navy, Red married his love Juanita Wilson. Red and Juanita attended many reunions with former shipmates that included a trip to Washington, D.C. in 1989, in honor of their leader, Admiral Arleigh Burke. For the first time in naval history, they would witness the christening and launching of a new destroyer bearing the name of a living person, USS Arleigh Burke. Admiral Burke had nicknamed the squadron “The Little Beavers” after a popular character of the era, noted for their fidelity, courage, tenacity, and their smash and run techniques during WWII. Admiral Burke stated, “No squadron in any Navy has won more battle honors in less time than the fighting, chasing Twenty Third.” The 23 squadron was awarded the coveted Presidential Unit Citation for their participation in 22 separate enemy engagements. Red retired as a welder with the Boiler Makers union in 1987 and was a member of American Legion Post 56 and Mason Lodge in Haskell. He enjoyed gardening and always had an abundance of fresh vegetables to share with family and friends. His corn on the cob was the “sweetest.” Fishing and hunting kept him busy in all seasons and in later years he traded a gun for a camera, taking pictures of his prey. Red loved the outdoors and his interest in flying and airplanes took him to many area air shows where he would spend the day. Red was preceded in death by his parents, William and Maude Myers; his brothers, Winfred, “Cotton” Eugene, and Ray Myers. He leaves behind to cherish his memories, his wife of 63 years, Juanita of the home; his daughters, Lynda Webb and husband Jim, Cindy Woodard, all of Muskogee; his sons, Rickey Myers and wife Robin of Azle, TX., Gary Myers and wife Buffy of Barnsdall, Robert Myers, and Terry Myers both of Oklahoma City; grandchildren, Tracey Kelly and husband Steve Ellis, James Webb, all of Tulsa, Matthew Webb of Muskogee, Daniel Myers and wife Amanda of Checotah, Johnny Myers and wife Wendy, Corey and Cassey Myers, all of Ft. Worth, TX., Justin and Elizabeth Myers of Haskell, Lindsey and Rachel Myers of Tulsa, Josh, Jacob, and Taylor Woodard of Muskogee; great grandchildren, Austin, Kara, Kayli, Braylyn, Avery, and Nash; sisters, Mary Jo Stoneburner and husband John of OKC, OK., Bonnie Wilson and husband Bob of Bristow, Nellie Adams of Wainwright; brother-in-law, Marion Graves of Muskogee, sister-in-laws, Eunice Myers of Wainwright and Faye Myers of Council Hill as well as many special nephews, nieces, and friends. The family requests memorials be made to the First Baptist Church of Wainwright in support of the building and missionary funds.

John "Red" C. Myers

June 29, 1925 - September 30, 2012