Russell Otis Myers, Jr.

Russ was born on August 4, 1932 and was raised in Scranton, PA. He enlisted in the Navy Reserves in 1949 and then enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1951. He was a proud Marine and fought in the Korean War, was wounded three times and was awarded the Purple Heart. He served with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Regiment, 1st Marine Division. He came home in 1954, married Joan Schuster, graduated from Penn State College and earned his Master’s Degree from NYU.

Russ and Joan raised three children. He was a good role model for his children. His employment history consisted of Teaching and Coaching Sports at a High School; Regional Director for Buick Motor Division; Owner of an Auto Dealership; VP Sales Richmond Homes; Equitable Agent/Manager; and then he founded his own insurance agency, Russell O. Myers Insurance Agency, Inc. in Dayton, Ohio. He was also a registered representative with the National Association of Security Dealers and Securities and Exchange Commission. Russ won many awards and trips during the course of his career and he and Joan enjoyed traveling to the various cities and countries. Joan passed away in 1997.

While Russ lived in Dayton he became very active in veterans affairs and served in many capacities. He served as the Commander of the Centerville VFW Post 9550. He was also proud to serve the Military Order of the Purple Heart as the National Aide De Camp, the Department of Ohio Chief of Staff, the Senior Vice Commander for the State of Ohio, the State Commander of Ohio, and as a Representative on the Ohio Governor’s Veterans Advisory Board. Russ also served as Treasurer of the Korean Veterans Memorial Association that had the distinction of designing and raising funds for the State of Ohio Korean War Memorial and All Veterans Walkway dedicated in 1995 along the river in downtown Dayton, Ohio. He also served on the Centerville-Washington Township Veterans’ Memorial Committee of Ohio to design and build an All Veterans memorial.

In 1999, Russ married Jackie, his longtime friend and business partner. They had a wonderful life together for almost 22 years. They eventually retired and moved to Venice, Florida. They traveled, boated, fished, danced, sang, entertained, played golf, and got involved in their community. They loved to be with their families and visited with them often. Russ rekindled his love of music and made guitars and other stringed instruments. He played local venues with a bluegrass band.

To know Russ was to love him. He was an exceptionally warm and caring man. He had a great sense of humor and always had a smile and a twinkle in his eye. His passing will leave a huge hole in many hearts. He was 88 years old and passed away peacefully at home.

He was predeceased by his parents, Russell and Alice Myers; his sister, Janet Thomas; his first wife Joan Myers; and his daughter, Donna Rowbotham.

He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Myers; his sons Randall P. Myers and Russell R. Myers; his son in law, Kenneth Rowbotham; his granddaughter, Melanie (Tom) Ryder; his grandson, Wesley (Breanna) Rowbotham; one great grandson, Bennett Ryder; a sister in law and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by Jackie’s children; Joseph (Holly) Czarnecky; John (Nancy) Czarnecky, Mary (Cory) Lindamood; James (Laura) Czarnecky; eight grandchildren and their spouses and significant others; and four great grandsons.

Due to Covid, Russ will be laid to rest at a later date at the Sarasota National Military Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Russ’s memory to the Southeastern Guide Dogs/Heroes Challenge, 4210 77th St. E., Palmetto, FL 34221 or to Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238.