Robert Lee 'Bob' Myers, 73 TULARE, Calif. - Robert Lee "Bob" Myers, age 73, passed away on April 21, 2010, at his home in Tulare, Calif. The youngest of 12 children, Bob was born June 4, 1936, in Hartwick, N.Y., to Lucille and Daniel Myers. The Myers were an agricultural family. In 1940, at age four, Bob moved with his family to Kent County, Delaware. His father died shortly after this move, but the family continued to run a farm. Bob picked tomatoes from an early age and when not in school worked various jobs in Dover, Del. During his high school years, Bob developed a passion for history and politics. He could hardly wait to vote. After graduating from Dover High School in 1954, Bob entered the United States Army. He was stationed in Southern Germany and served the US Army as a quartermaster. As young as he was, Bob took the opportunity to travel throughout Europe. Post war Europe offered Bob an interesting historical perspective. Returning home in 1957, Bob found small town Delaware confining and he traveled to San Diego, Calif., where he met his wife Michele. Bob went to work for Zellerbach Paper Co. in 1958. Bob and Michele married in San Diego on Feb. 14, 1959. Their four children were born in San Diego. The opportunity to work as a country salesman was presented by Zellerbach Paper Co. In 1964, Bob moved his family to Fresno, Calif. His sales territory extended from Turlock to Bakersfield. Bob's accounts were Mom and Pop office supply and stationery retail stores. Bob drove many miles, but he loved the San Joaquin Valley, even the 100 plus degree heat in the summer. Bob became a top salesman for Zellerbach Paper Co. In 1978, on a handshake, Bob bought a retail office supply business in Tulare, Calif. Bob owned and operated this business until 2006. Bob was President of the Greater Tulare Chamber of Commerce 1981-1982 and was the Tulare Business Association Man of the Year in 1984. Bob truly loved Tulare. Since retirement in 2006, Bob has pursued his favorite things: following politics, reading history, watching old movies and TV sports, growing tomatoes and enjoying his family. Bob loved his family, his town, and his country. Bob was preceded in death by his 11 siblings and his son, Michael Carl Myers. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Michele Bollinger Myers; two sons, Lee Daniel Myers and wife, Marlene Santos Myers, David Richard Myers and wife Tammy Harmon Myers; one daughter, Tracy Myers Taggart and husband, Thomas Taggart; six grandchildren, Leigh Marie Myers Romero and husband Erik Romero, Danielle Elizabeth Myers, Vanessa Michele Myers, Trent Michael Myers, Tristen Jean Myers, Clara Jane Taggart; and great-grandchildren, Gracie Delia Romero, Samson David Romero, and one due on Bob's birthday. A memorial service for Bob will be 2 p.m., Saturday, May 8, 2010, at Wayside Church of the Nazarene, 1929 E. Bardsley Ave., Tulare, CA 93274. Bob's favorite charity was Operation Smile, 6435 Tidewater Drive, Norfolk, VA 23509, 1-888-677-6453,
operationsmile.org/newsmile
