Stephen A. Myers, 79, of Downers Grove, a retired home builder and one of the better horseshoe throwers in Chicago’s suburbs, died Saturday, June 17, in Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield. Born in Chicago, Mr. Myers was trained as a glazier but moved on to build homes in the western suburbs. “He was a frugal and independent man who built a house, took the profit and bought two lots,” said his son-in-law Joseph Fennell. “That way he could weather the economy and never find himself extended.” Mr. Myers also was a hunter and a fisherman who enjoyed annual trips to Canada. When Ontario’s waters became a bit crowded for him, Mr. Myers took his gear to the Canadian Arctic. “His last trip was to the Northwest Territories, where the fishing he found was just remarkable,” Fennell said. His other interests included cultivating fruit trees and horseshoes, Fennell said. “He was a great horseshoe player. He competed in tournaments where winning was decided by the number of ringers thrown,” Fennell said. Mr. Myers served in the Army during World War II. Survivors include five daughters, Linda Higgins, Carol Fennell, Patricia Sullivan, Kathleen Tomko and Susan; a son, Stephen Jr.; three sisters, Ruth Kary, Eunice Jones and Dorcas; three brothers, Paul, Dan and John; and 11 grandchildren. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in Hallowell and James Funeral Home, 301 75th St., Downers Grove.
