William H. Myers
William H. “Bill” Myers, 96, of Lewisburg, passed away peacefully early Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, at Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg.
He was born Aug. 1, 1923, in Williamsport, a son of the late Foster and Lillian Myers. He was married to the former Barbara Elizabeth Boak for 57 years until her passing in 2001.
As a lieutenant in the Army Air Corps in World War II, Bill initially served as a flight instructor in the states but later as a fighter pilot in Europe. Of particular note was his receiving partial credit for downing one of Germany’s most prolific and lethal aces.
Bill retired in 1989 as vice president of manufacturing for Paulsen Wire Rope Corporation, though he continued to perform contract, consulting, and expert-witness services into his 80s. He joined Paulsen in 1965 as chief engineer and was previously with Jones and Laughlin Steel Corporation for 13 years. He served there as contact
metallurgist for the rod and wire division in Pittsburgh and had been chief engineer for the wire rope division in Pittsburgh and had been chief engineer for the wire rope division in Muncy.
He began his career with Bethlehem Steel in Bethlehem in 1948. Bill was very respected across his industry, as evidenced by his serving in such leadership positions as chairman of the Wire Rope Technical Board and as president of the Wire Association International. In 1987, he received that organization’s J. Donnellan award, given to the member who has made outstanding contributions to the advancement and welfare of the industry.
No one lived a fuller life than Bill, and he was avid in everything he tried. He thoroughly enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, bowling, boating, skiing, “going to the gym,” as well as regularly playing bridge and poker, all well into his 90s. He was especially proud to be an over-90-year-old member of the national “70 + Ski Club.”
In addition to many nieces and nephews, Bill is directly survived by his son, Thomas Boak Myers and daughter-in-law, Nancy Ulmer Myers of Chambersburg; his son-in-law, John J. Mack of Owings Mills, Md.; grandson, Eric William Myers and granddaughter-in-law, Rebekah Ludwick Myers of Harrisburg; and one especially cherished great-granddaughter, Jocelyn Layla Myers of Harrisburg.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Cynthia Myers Mack.
Friends and family are invited to a luncheon and celebration of Bill’s life at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Country Cupboard Restaurant, Lewisburg.
Memorial gifts may be made in loving memory of Bill to the charity of your choice or to the Union County 4th of July Committee Inc., P.O. Box 544, Lewisburg, PA 17837.