Jack D. Myers, 83, Columbia Township, Whitley County, died early Saturday morning, Jan. 2, 2016, at his home.

He was born March 18, 1932, in South Whitley, a son of Boyd H. and Pearl (Oliver) Myers.

His formative years were spent in South Whitley. He graduated from South Whitley High School in 1950.

During the Korean War, he served with the United States Army in Turkey.

On Oct. 1, 1955, he was united in marriage to Mary J. Rhoads. They made their home in rural South Whitley until December, 1959, when they moved to their present home.

He was employed at D&C Construction, Columbia Township School and retired in 1996 from Whitley County Consolidated Schools.

His memberships included Columbia City United Methodist Church, NEO, Columbia Township 4-H as a leader, Whitley County 4-H Inc. as director for nine years, American Legion Post 98 and he was a former Columbia Township volunteer fireman.

In the summer you would find Jack equally happy planting, hoeing and harvesting vegetables to share from his huge gardens. For many years, he planted thousands of gladioli to share too.

Fall found him in the woods cutting firewood savoring stew for lunch over the open fire. In winter, Jack studied the seed catalogues dreaming of the spring start to his greenhouse seedlings. His gardening tendencies have rubbed off on his kids and son-in-law.

Surviving relatives include his wife of 60 years, Mary; four children: Cindy (Richard) Zollinger, Columbia City, Tom (Jeff Ramsey) Myers, Indianapolis, Beth Conrad, Florida, and Mark (Becky) Myers, Indianapolis; four grandchildren: Stefanie (Brandon) Rece, Nicklaus (fiancee Samantha) Conrad, Miles Dean and Harrison Lee Myers; a brother, Harold Myers, Columbia City; a sister, Phyllis Fulton, Berne; a brother-in-law, P.D. (Judy) Rhoads, Columbia City; many cousins who he loved getting together with monthly for a cousins’ luncheon; and 10 nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial will be in Nolt Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to Whitley County 4-H Inc. or Columbia City United Methodist Church.