Steven “Steve” Myers, 75, St. Joseph, passed away February 8 at home surrounded by the love of his family. Steve was born in Murphysboro, Illinois on August 21, 1948, to Glen and Ruth (Twyman) Myers.
Steve is survived by his loving wife of 36 years Ruth; daughters, Angela Lehan (Chris) Olathe, KS, and Lauretta Hewlett (Demetrius) Olathe, KS; grandsons Milo Lehan, Damian and Desmond Hewlett; brother John Myers (Janet) Forth Worth, TX; nephew Shawn Myers (Amy) Fort Worth, TX; cousin Yvonne Jacobs Sullivan, IN; and extended family.
Steve reunites with his parents; brothers, Riley and David Myers; sister-in-law Diane Myers.
Steve grew up in Overland, MO, a suburb of St. Louis. He had a good childhood and graduated from Ritenour High School. Steve attended Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, majoring in biology and earning his Bachelor of Arts degree. Steve then attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor earning his Master of Science in forestry and worked for the U.S. Forest Service. Steve returned to Missouri earning his Ph.D. in Entomology at the University of Missouri, Columbia.
Steve moved to St. Joseph in 1980 to begin his career as an entomologist starting an agricultural research and consulting company. It was in St. Joseph that Steve met Ruth Lawrence, the love of his life. They married on March 14, 1987, and shared a wonderful life journey together. They were blessed with two daughters. Steve and Ruth worked together for their business, MKI Ag Research LLC until Steve’s retirement in 2018. Most of the research plots were done at the family farm in Oregon, MO. Steve loved his workplace, the farm.
Steve was a wonderful father, actively involved in his daughters’ lives. He continually showed his unwavering support, encouragement, and love. His girls always felt and knew he was there. He thought the sweetest word he could hear was Daddy, until his grandsons called him Papa. The deep love and joy he had for them was met with adoration for him in return. Life was also enriched by gaining two sons-in-law.
Steve was a member of Huffman United Methodist Church, serving over the years on Church Council, Lay Leader, in the Discovery Class, Upward basketball coach, Family Ministries, and with the help of many volunteers, lead the Parkway Elementary tutoring program for 10 years.
A good start to Steve’s day always included a morning cup of coffee. He was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan. Steve treasured the companionship of dogs and had one by his side throughout his life until the recent loss of his blue-heeler, Brizzie. Steve, Ruth, and family have cherished time together over the years at Table Rock Lake, fishing, boating, and taking in the sunsets. Steve loved being outdoors and found a few minutes each day to appreciate his surroundings. He especially loved the experiences of family travels.
After his blood cancer diagnosis, Steve continued to show strength, resilience, and grace during this season of his life. His constant selfless acts of love are forever in his family’s hearts. He will be greatly missed.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather with friends 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating blood to a local blood bank, memorial contributions to Huffman Memorial United Methodist Church, or The Nature Conservancy. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
