William "Bill" M. Myers

William “Bill” Myers, 93, of Belmond passed away Monday, March 19, 2018 in Smithville, Missouri surrounded by his family.

Visitation for Bill Myers will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 PM on Friday, May 4, 2018 at Ewing Funeral Home, 111 Luick’s Lane South in Belmond.

Graveside services will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Graceland Cemetery in rural Rowan, with Military Honors provided by Rowan American Legion Post #159. Lunch will be at the United Church of Rowan following the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Rowan American Legion Post #159 - C/O Roger Wenzel, 3277 190th Street, Rowan, Iowa 50470.

William Murtell, son of Cecil Murtell and Myrtle May (Azeltine) Myers, was born on May 29, 1924 on a farm just north of Rowan. Bill was the second oldest of four children. Bill grew up on farms around Alexander and Iowa Falls. He graduated from Owasa High School in 1941. While attending Iowa State University, Bill was drafted into the Army during WWII. He attended Civil Engineering classes at Harvard and Georgetown before shipping out to France in August of 1944. Bill was a part of the 26th Yankee Division (328th Infantry Division). On December 10, 1944, Bill was wounded at Lorraine, France, receiving a Purple Heart medal. He rejoined his regiment after the Battle of the Bulge. In December of 1945, Bill was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant and returned home.

On November 23, 1952, Bill was united in marriage to Mary Helen Hannah at the United Methodist Church in Hampton. The couple made their home on a farm near Rowan and farmed in the Rowan and Alexander areas for many years. Bill joined his cousins Eb and Karl Rietz at Rowan Lumber and Grain, and later owning and operating Rowan Lumber in Rowan and Belmond. After retiring, Bill and Mary spent many winters in Mesa, Arizona. Bill moved to the retirement apartments in Belmond after Mary passed away on March 4, 2010.

Bill enjoyed his family and friends, puzzles, cards, books, golfing and fishing. He was a member of the American Legion for over 73 years, a Mason, Lions member, served on the CAL School Board, Iowa and NW Lumbermen’s Association, and was involved in many community activities.

Bill is survived by his four children, Jack Van Wyk, Cathy (Ron) Schmitz, John (Brenda) Myers, and Jeffrey (Sheryl) Myers; nine grandchildren, Patrick (Kimberly), Traci, Noelle, Jeffrey (Carissa), Christopher (Cristin), Amber (Bryon), Nicholas (Theresa), Micah, and Jacob; five great-grandchildren, Aidan, Declan, Drew, Claire, and Cameron; and one sister, Jean (George) Archer.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary; brother John; and sister Phyllis.