Donald Dean Myers, 72, of Battle Creek, passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2023.
He was born on July 7, 1950, to Roland J. and Audrey Elsie May (Burns) Myers in Lansing, Michigan. Don graduated from Holt High School with the class of 1968. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Alma College, where he was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and the Alma College Swim team. Don went on to earn two master's degrees from Western Michigan University, in Biology and Education Leadership. He was an educator for over 40 years. Don began as a middle school science teacher for Harper Creek Community Schools and was the district’s Science Instructional Specialist. Don then transitioned to building administration at Bellevue Middle School and later served as high school principal at Vestaburg Community Schools before being named Superintendent of Schools at Vestaburg. He retired in 2010 but continued to serve as a substitute teacher and substitute principal for the Lakeview School District in Battle Creek. His final position in public education was as Interim Superintendent for Pennfield School District during most of the 2021-22 school year.
Don married the love of his life, Denise Callender on August 2, 1975, in Battle Creek. From their first date on December 7, 1973 until his passing, Don and Denise spent 49 years, 4 months, and 20 days together laughing a lot and raising their family. Don was the proud girl dad to two daughters and a doting Pa to four precious grandchildren.
In addition to teaching, Don coached many middle and high school sports including football, tennis, diving, basketball, soccer, and started the Harper Creek Middle School cross-country program. He coached wrestling under Harper Creek legend Dave Studer and was the head coach for men’s tennis and women’s soccer. He also spent many years coaching soccer for the Wattles Park Men’s Club and was an active 4-H dad during the years his daughters were in the rabbit and poultry clubs.
Don loved to ride his Harley Davidson motorcycle, which he lovingly named “Bob.” He took several road trips with Bob to the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, as well as Arkansas and northern Michigan. He loved camping with his wife, especially in the Upper Peninsula where they would hike the trails, and search for waterfalls. Don spent a lot of time at the cottage in Vestaburg biking on the Heartland Trail, stopping at the Farmer in the Dell for his favorite lemon ice cream, and spending hours in his boat circling Bass Lake with his best buddy, Thor.
Don was a man committed to service. He was currently in his 13th year as a member of the Harper Creek Board of Education. This led to his involvement with the Michigan Association of School Boards, where he was very active and a member of its Board of Directors. Don always advocated for students and made decisions based on the best interest of the children and the community he served. Don’s passion for diving and his commitment to community service led him to become a 22-year member of the Calhoun County A.L.U.R.T. Dive team. He was a Master Diver and a certified Med Dive Specialist.
Above all, Don loved his family, especially his grandchildren. As he did with his daughters, Don attended all of his grandkids’ extra-curricular events. He taught them how to swim, waterski, and anything related to science.
He is survived by his loving wife Denise; daughters, Laurie (Wade) O’Boyle and Angela Myers; grandchildren, Claire and Lyle O’Boyle, Wil Frederick, and Hawkins RJ; sister, Terri Christensen of Crossville, Tennessee; nieces, nephews, and much-loved relatives in Australia. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will take place from 6-8 pm on Friday, May 5, 2023, at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N Marshall, Michigan 49068, and from 10-11 am on Saturday, May 6, 2023. A memorial service will be held directly following the visitation at 11 am Saturday, May 6, 2023. Following the service, a luncheon will be held at the funeral home.
Burial will take place at a later date at Crystal Cemetery in Montcalm County, Michigan.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Myers Education Fund or the Calhoun County Emergency Dive Team (A.L.U.R.T.) through the Battle Creek Community Foundation at https://www.bccfoundation.org/don-myers.
Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, Michigan 49068. Please visit www.//kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, sign the online guest book, or to leave the family condolences.
Saturday, May 6, 2023
10:00 - 11:00 am (Eastern time)
Kempf Family Funeral Marshall Chapel (Michigan)
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)
Kempf Family Funeral Marshall Chapel (Michigan)
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Starts at 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
Kempf Reception Center
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