Former Hopkins Board of Education President and member John Paul Myers of Dorr died of cancer Saturday, Feb. 11. He was 53.
John was the youngest of eight children, and as the baby of a large family, he was only left behind at church once. John graduated from Hopkins High School in 1987.
He was best known for his hillbilly pool in his truck bed on the last day of school. He was voted best all-around guy his senior year, which he continued to live up to for the rest of his life. He married his high school sweetheart, Janine Lenhart, in 1991. They proceeded to build their forever home and had three children.
In 1997, he started his legacy of Myers Builders, Inc. with his sister, Mary Myers. He was a lifelong servant to numerous committees and boards, most notably SMV Building and Grounds, Salem Township Boards, and Hopkins School Board. His passion was building homes for people and building relationships along the way.
His many hobbies included collecting antiques, raising cows, hunting with his family, and spending time at The Red Shed. Some of his best memories were made with good friends, good food and good beer. He always had a project going and loved to stay busy, but was never too busy to lend a hand to anyone.
John is survived by his parents, Lester and Maxine Myers; wife of 31 years, Janine; three children Nicholas Myers, Jacob (Katlin) Myers, and Lauren (Nick) DeVries; siblings Kathleen (Tim) Carr, Colleen (Edward) Carey; sister-in-law, Cindy Myers, Brian (Barb) Myers, Daniel (Richelle) Myers, Mary Myers (Mark Black), and David (Joanne) Myers; in-laws Carol Lenhart, Brian (Diane) Lenhart, and Alan (Nan) Lenhart; and many beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and loyal man’s best friend, Charlie Myers.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Myers; uncle, Leonard Myers; and father-in-law, John Lenhart.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, at Cook Funeral Home in Byron Center, 2067 84th St., Byron Center, Michigan 49315. (NOTE LOCATION OF VISITATIONS). A Rosary will be held 3 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, at St. Mary’s Visitation Catholic Church, 2459 146th Ave., Byron Center.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s honor to SMV School or the Salem Township Fire Department.
John, (best all around guy) has my vote. Can I vote more then once? How could you not love this man!!!!!! Rest In Peace my Friend.
A great builder and good friend. The area has lost another great person.