Douglas L. Myers

Hastings resident Douglas L. “Doug” Myers, 77, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 20, 2025, at his home. His cats Dipstick and Pachinko were curled up with him, and Rhonda was at his bedside. 

Doug was born July 27, 1947, in Blue Earth, MN to Alloys “Al” and Frances “Eve” (Everson) Myers. The family moved to Hastings when Doug was five. He was confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on March 26, 1961. Doug graduated from Hastings Senior High School in 1965. He was a member of the swim team and served as a lifeguard at Aquacourt and Lib’s pools. Doug enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1967 and served a four year tour of duty. He attended “A” School in Charleston, South Carolina for mine warfare. He was first stationed at the Naval Mineshop at the US Naval Air Station in Atsugi, Japan (July 1968-Sept 1970), and later at the Naval Ordinance Facility in Yokosuka, Japan (Oct 1970-March 1971) as an underwater minesman during the Vietnam War. Doug assembled Mark 27 torpedo mines during his time in Yokosuka and attained the rank of Mineman 3rd Class. He was honorably discharged in 1971 and was later granted membership to the Association of Minemen. Doug was also a member of Hastings Elks Lodge #159. 

Upon his return to the States, Doug attended Gem City College in Quincy, IL to study horology (the art of clocks and watchmaking). He was a talented watchmaker in the family business at Imperial Jewelers in downtown Hastings for 40 years. Doug married Karen Williams July 19, 1969, and the couple welcomed two daughters, Tera and Brandie. They later divorced. He loved piloting his hot air balloon, named “Odin’s Chariot,” which could be seen flying over the skies of Hastings and surrounding communities in the 1980s. Doug was also an entirely self-taught and gifted woodworker. He carefully designed, made, and gave away many beautiful wooden pieces to friends and loved ones over the years. Doug deeply cherished his cats and was a true animal lover. His trips to Europe and Mexico were full of fun memories. 

Doug was preceded in death by his parents. 

Doug has chosen cremation. There will be no viewing, visitation, or service. Memorials may be given to Start Over Rover in Hastings. 

SURVIVORS: 
Daughters & Spouse:
    Tera Bruce – Kearney, NE 
    Brandie & Jessie McCoy – Hastings, NE 
Grandchildren:
    Kennedy McCoy 
    Ellie McCoy 
    Easton Bruce 
    Merrick Bruce 
Siblings & Spouses:
    Karen & Bob Cox – Sun Lakes, AZ 
    Mark & Joy Myers – Grand Island, NE 
Cats:
    Dipstick and Pachinko 
Dear friend and neighbor:
    Mario Molina – Hastings, NE 
Loving friend:
    Rhonda Spiehs – Doniphan, NE 

Rhonda and the family would like to thank the staff at Good Samaritan Hospice for their care and also acknowledge his special “family” at PTSR of Hastings.