John Andrew Myers Jr.

John A. Myers, Jr. passed away at his home in Rio Rancho on August 25, 2020, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on February 2, 1945 at the “old Miners” hospital in Raton, NM, to Jane Myers and the late John A. Myers Sr. who was killed in WW II just three months before John was born.

At age six years, John was very fortunate to have Richard “Van” Vandaveer become his father.

Growing up as an only child, he had fond memories of spending summers in Lamy, NM with his four cousins, Booty, Mary Jane, Franky, and Dickie.

John graduated from Raton high school in 1963 and attended Trinidad State Junior College and received a  degree in electronics. John was married to his high school sweetheart Pat for 53 years. They had three daughters.

At an early age he loved cars and drag racing at Pueblo Motor Sports and Albuquerque dragway. He was especially proud of his 1965 GTO that he restored. He enjoyed camping and fishing at Lake Maloya and Cimarron Canyon with his wife and grandchildren.

But without a doubt, his granddaughters Sarah, and Alison Cox were his greatest source of pride and joy. He loved his name “Papa”.

John had a TV repair and sales shop for 20 years in Raton. After that he went to work at Stolar Research where he had many friends and traveled all over the world including South Africa, England, and Israel.

He is survived by his wife, Pat of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; Daughter, Barbara Myers of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Daughter Joann Myers of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Daughter, Deanna and husband Nick Cox (son-in-law, and great friend), along with granddaughters, Sarah and Alison Cox, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico. John had many cousins, as well as nieces and nephews. One special Aunt Christine Mahannah of Raton, New Mexico; Brother-in-law Adrian and Wife Sharon Goff of Ardmore, Oklahoma; Sister-in-law Carole Nunn, of Magnolia, Texas.

Preceding him in death are parents, Jane and R.F. “Van” Vandaveer; Grandmother, Jenny Pesikan; In-laws Mary and A.P. Goff; Brother-in-law Ronnie Nunn, of Magnolia, Texas; as well as many other cousins, aunts and uncles.

We love and will miss our husband, father, and “Papa”. We will cherish his memories forever.

Thank you to the many friends that visited, sent cards, and showed kindness throughout his illness.

A special thank you to Dr. Sofia Palacio of the New Mexico Cancer Center, for the compassionate care she provided.

At his request cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time. His wish was to have his ashes scattered at Lake Maloya, Cimarron Canyon, and Galveston Beach.

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