15-term U.S. Rep. John Myers dead at 87

Wednesday, January 28, 2015
John Myers

COVINGTON -- Former U.S. Rep. John Myers, who represented western Indiana's 7th District for three decades, has died.

Owner Robert Shelby of Shelby Funeral Home in Covington says the 87-year-old Myers died Tuesday morning in his home following a brief illness.

Myers was a lifelong Covington resident. The Republican served in the U.S. House from 1967 to 1997.

Myers was born in Covington on Feb. 8, 1927, the son of Warren and Myra Wisher Myers and graduated from Covington High School in 1945. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army in 1945 and 1946, later graduating from Indiana State University in 1951.

Professionally, Myers was a cashier and trust officer with The Fountain Trust Co. in Covington from 1952-1966. He was also a farmer in Fountain County.

Myers was first elected to Congress in 1966, succeeding William T. Bray in the Indiana's old 7th District.

He served on Capitol Hill from Jan. 3, 1967 through Jan. 3, 1997, not seeking re-election for a 16th term. He was succeeded by Ed Pease.

The seat was later occupied by Myers' son-in-law Brian Kerns for one term before Indiana lost a congressional district in 2002 and the old 7th District was absorbed into the 4th and 8th districts.

Myers married Carol Carruthers on May 30, 1953, in Danville, Ill., and she survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Carol Ann Myers (Rick Kellam) of Marion, Lori Jan Kerns (Brian) of Terre Haute; seven grandchildren, Justin Kerns, Austin Kerns, Elizabeth Kerns, Aaron Kellam, Alex Kellam, Shannon Kerns and Kristy Unton; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, sister Marcia Hanley and brother Wisher Myers preceded him in death.

Visitation will be held 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday at the Covington United Methodist Church, with the funeral at 2 p.m. Saturday at the church. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery.

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  • I have many memories of time spent with Rep. Myers. During his many years as our representative he took part in the county 4-H parade, time at the fair and spoke to several groups here in Putnam County. He sent many letters to 4-Hers for their winnings both at the local as well as the state fair level.

    I had the opportunity to personally spend one on one time with him while in 4-H.

    My thoughts are with his family at this time.

    -- Posted by momma-j on Tue, Jan 27, 2015, at 11:25 PM
  • I remember one time during the fair parade at the last minute we needed another convertable and he graciously offered the use of his. Then he just stood by talking to people until it was returned. Very great man!

    -- Posted by interested party on Thu, Jan 29, 2015, at 9:42 AM
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