Prominent Indiana Thoroughbred owner and breeder Don W. Myers Sr. died July 25 at home with his wife, Dana, and granddaughter Christina Lawton by his side. He was 92.
Born Nov. 13, 1920, in Seymour, Ind., Myers founded Swifty Farms in 1972 and turned it into the state's largest Thoroughbred racing and breeding farm. He was very instrumental in developing Thoroughbred racing in Indiana, and was an award-winning member of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and the Indiana Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association.
Swifty Farms currently campaigns grade III winner Pataky Kid . Among horses they bred and raced were Pass Rush and Mack the Slew. Pass Rush is currently standing at Swifty along with E Z's Gentleman and Silver Mountain. The farm is home to the last foal by Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew, broodmare Maggie Slew.
Myers was respected by the Thoroughbred industry and loved by his community. He served his country in the Army Infantry from 1944-46, after which he returned to Seymour to raise his family, begin his business endeavors, and build his legacy.
In 1963 Myers' vestige began with seven gasoline stations, and he eventually founded the Swifty Oil Company, which expanded to 181 gasoline stations and convenience marts.
Myers is survived by his children Jolene Endicott, Donald W. Myers Jr., Jane Henkle, and Jenny Ruth, his step-daughters Lisa Brown, and Denise Lawton, as well as 17 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and numerous step grand-children.
Visitation is from 2 to 8 p.m. CDT on July 29 at Voss Chapel and on July 30 at the First Presbyterian Church in Seymour from 1 p.m. until time of service. A celebration of Don's life will be held at First Presbyterian Church at 2 p.m. on July 30.
Condolences may be sent to the family through Voss Funeral Service and memorials may be written to the First Presbyterian Church of Seymour, Girls, Inc. of Seymour, or the Don and Dana Myers Cancer Center through Voss Funeral Service, Seymour, Ind.