Benjamin Myers

It is with great sadness that the family of Benjamin Issac Myers, 46, announces his unexpected death on August 22, 2018 in Taos, New Mexico. He died in his sleep.

Ben was an avid outdoorsman. He was always more at home in the mountains, surrounded by nature or taking in as much of this world he could travel to. Ben's bright blue eyes, gift of story telling, corny jokes and natural charm were his calling card. As so, he made friends easily and leaves behind too many to mention but will never be forgotten everywhere he ever went.

These last few months he worked for Cottams in Taos, NM that takes rafting trips down the Colorado River in northern New Mexico. This is a river that Ben knew well and loved. He had a wealth of knowledge of the history and culture of the area and much of the world for that matter. Ben was fluent in Spanish and was well versed with the culture as well as the Native American peoples of that area. Ben was an honorary brother to his friends of the Picuris tribe of the Taos area. He had dear friends of many years in Hawaii and also in Alaska and Texas.

His love to read came at the early age of 4 1/2 years by reading National Geographic magazines and by age 7 had moved on the J R R Tolkien's Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. His Bible was well read and went everywhere he went. Ben was happiest when he was fishing anywhere from trout streams, Mike Verkler's pond, or the ocean...anywhere he could wet a hook was fine with him. Well known for his story telling and jokes, he loved to teach kids to tell jokes and his most recent student, a 4 year old girl named Rashalynn, daughter of Jerry and Amber, was also leaning to play guitar by Ben. He loved all kinds of music and played guitar well.

As many of his teachers can tell you, Ben like practical jokes, which got him more than just laughs upon occasion. His pre-K teacher asked his Mom to have him tested, as she had never had a student quite like Ben. So away to Lamar University they went for testing, only to find that this 4 year old prankster had an IQ of 145 and a "happy go lucky" attitude. Ben was a happy child and there was never a dull moment. He graduated from Northside High in Lafayette, LA. He was known for being a loving and loyal friend.

He is preceded in death by his beloved oldest brother, Paul Michael Myers II.
He is preceded in death on his father's side by his father, Paul Michael Myers, Sr., by his paternal great grandparents John L. and Thelma Myers, and Charles Isaac and Vance Brashears. Also by his grandparents John L. Jr. and Marjorie Brashears Myers.

He is survived on his father's side by his father's wife Lynn Myers, his sister Katie Jeannette Myers (Dylan Brownell), his brothers Wyley Myers and Steven (Anita Myers), nephew Michael Kern and 2 nieces, Lorelai Lynn and Dani Marie. He also left his great aunt Jeannie Myers Lindsey, long time resident of Beebe, as well as his aunt Kathryn Myers and her husband John Nettles and his uncle Johnny Myers, all from Houston, Texas. Ben is survived by his cousin Jay Nettles who was as near a brother as he could be to Ben.

He is preceded in death on his mother's side by his grandparents Paul Raymond and Lucille Guntharp of Beebe, his uncle Raymond Guntharp, aunt Connie Richie, aunt and uncle Elmer & Paula Shaffer, aunt Linda Hinds, aunt Patricia Ann Guntharp, his cousins Marcus Shaffer and Augustus James Ryals, his cousin by marriage Sgt. Jason Michael Swindle, and his best friend Rick Beaty.

In addition to his mother, Myra Gail Johnson, he is survived on his mom's side by aunt Barbara Verkler, aunt and uncle Robert and Penny Guntharp, aunt and uncle Dan and Becky Blanchard, Cindy and Darrell Parris and family, Tanya and David Myers, and Jonathan Guntharp. Ben was very close to these family members and had a special friendship with his cousin Dillion Myers and his best friend from Texas, Robert Everson and family.

There are many more grieving cousins and relatives and friends who will carry his memory.

In lieu of flowers, a fund has been established at First Security Bank in an account named: Myra Gail Johnson Ben Myers Memorial to help with his funeral expenses. Any remembrance will be appreciated by the family.

Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 8, 2018, at Crosspoint Ministries. Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. www.smithfamilycares.com