John A. Myers, Jr. passed away at his home in Rio Rancho on August 25, 2020, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on February 2, 1945 at the “old Miners” hospital in Raton, NM, to Jane Myers and the late John A. Myers Sr. who was killed in WW II just three months before John was born.
At age six years, John was very fortunate to have Richard “Van” Vandaveer become his father.
Growing up as an only child, he had fond memories of spending summers in Lamy, NM with his four cousins, Booty, Mary Jane, Franky, and Dickie.
John graduated from Raton high school in 1963 and attended Trinidad State Junior College and received a degree in electronics. John was married to his high school sweetheart Pat for 53 years. They had three daughters.
At an early age he loved cars and drag racing at Pueblo Motor Sports and Albuquerque dragway. He was especially proud of his 1965 GTO that he restored. He enjoyed camping and fishing at Lake Maloya and Cimarron Canyon with his wife and grandchildren.
But without a doubt, his granddaughters Sarah, and Alison Cox were his greatest source of pride and joy. He loved his name “Papa”.
John had a TV repair and sales shop for 20 years in Raton. After that he went to work at Stolar Research where he had many friends and traveled all over the world including South Africa, England, and Israel.
He is survived by his wife, Pat of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; Daughter, Barbara Myers of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Daughter Joann Myers of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Daughter, Deanna and husband Nick Cox (son-in-law, and great friend), along with granddaughters, Sarah and Alison Cox, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico. John had many cousins, as well as nieces and nephews. One special Aunt Christine Mahannah of Raton, New Mexico; Brother-in-law Adrian and Wife Sharon Goff of Ardmore, Oklahoma; Sister-in-law Carole Nunn, of Magnolia, Texas.
Preceding him in death are parents, Jane and R.F. “Van” Vandaveer; Grandmother, Jenny Pesikan; In-laws Mary and A.P. Goff; Brother-in-law Ronnie Nunn, of Magnolia, Texas; as well as many other cousins, aunts and uncles.
We love and will miss our husband, father, and “Papa”. We will cherish his memories forever.
Thank you to the many friends that visited, sent cards, and showed kindness throughout his illness.
A special thank you to Dr. Sofia Palacio of the New Mexico Cancer Center, for the compassionate care she provided.
At his request cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time. His wish was to have his ashes scattered at Lake Maloya, Cimarron Canyon, and Galveston Beach.
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I am so sad to learn of John’s passing. I went to grade school with John and had not seen him in many, many years until about 3 years ago. We sat a talked for about an hour and John was exactly as remembered him in grade school, a kind, gentle, likeable person and fun to be with. I was so happy to learn he had such a good life and raised a great family. Pat, my condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. But I’m sure you are proud of the great life John led.
Bob Beaudette
Payson, AZ
Sincere Condolences to Pat Myers and Family, I didn’t know John very well, but he must have been a good, Kind and gentle soul to have such a great wife. You are so special Pat and I pray for God’s Blessings and Comfort for you and your family, 🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤ during this difficult time, and always. Rest In Peace John Myers🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thanks so much Cecelia!!
Pat we were so saddened to hear of Johnny’s passing. We have lots of memories of him and he will deeply be missed by all that carried his friendship. Our thoughts and Prayers to you and your beautiful family for peace and comfort to carry you all through your loss in the days ahead. Love n Hugs, Marilyn n Buzz Gigante.
Thanks so much! Yes, those memories are great! He sure enjoyed working with Buzz and said you always welcomed him at Vermejo.
John was a gentle soul. I never heard him say a bad thing about anyone. He made the world a better place with his kind spirit. Condolences to his family. Sincerely Jean and Judy ReQua
Thank you so much. He thought highly of you both!
Dear Pat, so sorry to hear about your loss. Prayers.
Love always,
Elaine A Barnum – Gonzales
Raton, NM
Thanks so much Elaine!
So sorry to hear about your husband, Pat. I never met him but you were always so kind to me. You were always working with some doctor I was going to, Ha. My condolences to you and your family. Hope you are doing well.
Thanks for remembering me and your condolences for John.
I was always very glad you did so well!
John was a very calm, gentle person in my experience with
him. We graduated RHS together. My condolences to his loving family.
warmly,
Cheryl Gay Gatti
Thank you so much!