Tom Myers

POCATELLO-Howard Thomas Myers, 78, passed peacefully away November 2, 2011, surrounded by family at Portnuef Medical Center. Tom was born December 20, 1932 in Pocatello, Idaho, the third of five children, to Manassah and Adnella Thomas Myers. He attended Washington Elementary, Franklin Junior High and graduated from Pocatello High School in 1951. After serving in the Air Force, he graduated from Idaho State College with a Bachelors degree in Architecture. While a senior in high school he began his courtship with his future bride by pulling her across a hayride wagon to sit by him. He married Pearl Burns in the LDS Idaho Falls Temple on June 1, 1954. They celebrated 57 wonderful years of marriage this year. As he experienced the effects of liver and kidney transplants from twenty-one years ago, Pearl lovingly cared for him and assured that he received the medical care he needed. They shared a loving and devoted companionship. While a teenager Tom worked for the Blue Ribbon Bakery with his parents. Among other things, he learned to decorate cakes. Many celebrated their birthdays and weddings with one of his elaborately decorated cakes. He also was renowned for his gingerbread houses, men, and shared this talent and these treats with many others. He worked for the railroad for a time. He started his career as an Architect with Cedric M. Allen, Architect. In 1975 he opened his own architectural firm. Shortly thereafter he brought Pete G. Anderson into the firm as a partner and a few years later his son, Jerry T. Myers. The firm continued to expand in its influence to become a regional firm, under Tom's leadership. Tom was always involved in the service of others. He was active in the Boy Scout Program in many capacities. He believed strongly the value the program could have in a young man's life and he dedicated significant time to support many young men in gaining the benefits it has to offer. He was awarded the Silver Beaver. He was also actively involved in the community. He was a member and a past president of the Gate City Rotary Club, during which time he headed up the building of a ramp at the Pocatello Zoo which would make viewing the animals easier for the disabled. During that project he also developed a unique friendship with one of the antelope. He participated with the Education Committee of the Chamber of Commerce. He was quick to jump in and take the place of a father for children who needed one for a special event. He mentored numerous young people through community programs. He was a member and past President of the local section of the State Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Tom loved the outdoors. He loved to fish and hunt to a point that his wedding needed to be rescheduled around the opening day of fishing season. He loved to spend time with and nurture his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is loved dearly by them all and they will miss wrestling and playing with their grandpa. Tom was a man of exceedingly strong faith. He was grateful for his membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served with willingness and dedication in many different callings over the years. Tom served as Bishop of the LDS 2 nd Ward for 6 years and on the High Council. He was an example of goodness, kindness and integrity to everyone who knew him. Tom is survived by his wife, Pearl: his son Jerry (Debbie) Myers: and daughter Kim (Dirk) Baumgart: 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; and his sisters Kay and Paulette. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Nadine and brother, Bobby. Funeral services and celebration of a life well lived will be held on Monday, November 7, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in the LDS Bonneville Park Ward building, 135 South 7 th Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho. Family will receive friends Sunday evening, November 6th from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 South 4th Ave. and from 10 - 11 a.m. at the church prior to the funeral. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.Colonial-FuneralHome.com.