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Father Joseph Myers

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Catholic University of America

Father Myers Obituary

Father Joseph Rawley Myers died peacefully of natural causes on November 25, 2009, surrounded by family members. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Mervin and Luella Rawly Myers of Falls City, Nebraska, his brother Dr. James M. Myers of Colorado Springs, his niece Mary Myers, and his nephew Matthew Myers. He is survived by Tedde Myers and a large family of nieces and nephews. Born April 19, 1924, Rawley was a child of the Great Depression and every inch a small-town Midwesterner. Though he traveled widely as a priest and found great success as a Catholic writer, he based his life and his priesthood on the values of that upbringing. "I'm all for small towns," he said in an interview. His parents owned a drug store in which Rawley and his brother Jim worked long hours. Hard times created strong family ties, and laughter was a source of strength. "I think humor took people through the depression," he observed. Young Rawley was deeply impressed by his experiences at Falls City's Sacred Heart School, writing later about the examples set by his Ursuline nun teachers, especially Mother Bernadette, and by his parish priest. "I feel one reason that I am a priest today is that in my small town parish almost every time I went to the church for a visit, I saw my old Irish pastor kneeling there, ramrod straight, before the tabernacle," he wrote. His 40-plus years as a priest began at Denver's St. Thomas Seminary in 1942, where he became editor of the seminary magazine. In 1949 he was ordained, dedicating his priesthood to the Blessed Mother and beginning a life of service; as he put it, "the day after ordination, eighty-year-old women are coming to you in the parish asking you about very personal problems." As assistant pastor at St. Joseph's parish in York, Nebraska, he also began other activites he'd pursue throughout his life: teaching and cheering at football games. In 1952 his bishop assigned him to The Denver Catholic Register, one of the largest Catholic newspapers in the country. A year later he was sent to Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. When told there was no journalism program there, the bishop said, "Have him study philosophy." By 1955 Father Myers had his PhD, though he never took the diploma out of the trunk he then packed it in. He went on to more parish work in rural Nebraska, and in 1958 became editor of the Lincoln diocesan newspaper, a position he held for nine years while also chaplain for the University of Nebraska Newman Center. He then spent two years as pastor at York, then, after a year at Notre Dame, became a philosophy lecturer at Kennedy College, delighted with the opportunity to expose students to the Catholic intellectual heritage that had so inspired him, especially through great English convert writers like G.K. Chesterton. But arthritis became a problem, and he applied for transfer to Denver in hopes the climate would improve his health. The transfer became permanent in 1972 when he became associate paster of St. Mary's Church in Colorado Springs, where his brother Jim and family were delighted to have "Uncle Rawl" more continually in their lives. He lived and worked in Colorado Springs until his death, including pastoral work at St. Joseph's. Father Myers was a prolific and popular author. In addition to his work for Catholic newspapers, he wrote dozens of books and sent out Star magazine for over 30 years. His books include Journal of a Parish Priest, The Saints Show Us Christ, Daily Readings in Catholic Classics, Embraced by Mary, The Catholic Digest Book of Courage, Lent: A Journey to Resurrection, Faith Experiences of Catholic Converts, People Who Loved, and This Is the Seminary. For all his writing success, however, Father Myers was always grounded in a simple and profound Christian ideal, and spent his life serving others-his readers, his parishoners, his immediate family, and the many nieces and nephews whom he played with and who adored him in turn. His devotion to his faith was absolute, and he practiced it every day. "One prayer," he once said, "is worth more than ten meetings." We loved him with all our hearts. We love him still.

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Published by The Gazette on Nov. 29, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Father Myers

21 Entries

April Turpin

December 4, 2009

I was deeply saddened to hear of Father Myers passing. He was a gentle and kind man that would be there for anyone. The "5" Turpin's will always remember you and will practice what you have lived your whole life. I know you are right there with Him as another one of His guardian angels.

Michelle (Shelly) Selig (Duran)

December 2, 2009

Fr. Myers provided me with many of my first memories of my Catholic faith in the early 1970's at St. Mary's and I still quote his sermons regularly to my children as I raise them in that same faith. It speaks to his gift of words that I can vividly remember his sermons 35 years later. Thank you for sharing your uncle with the Catholic community of Colorado Springs.

Pete Foley

December 2, 2009

I just learned of Father Myers passing. My aunt, who is a retired nun, sent me his writings throughout the years. She always admired him, as we all did. He will be missed. God Bless him.

Maureen McMAHON

December 1, 2009

Fr. Meyers was an inspiration to me and my family, especially my father. They were great friends. I am saddened by the loss but happy that he is off to his great reward with our loving Father. My condolences and prayers to Fr. Meyers family.

Nancy Wronski (Friel)

December 1, 2009

Meyers Family. my brother John forwarded the email to the rest of us. Quite a few times Fr Meyers would be at his brothers house when we would show up and kid us as to which Friel we were. I remember always smiling. It was contagious when you were around him. And you always had to be on your best behavior because he was a priest. Even though I haven't seen him in years, thinking back, it seemed like just yesterday. My thoughts are with all of you.

Kyle Davis

December 1, 2009

I am so sad to hear this news. I still remeber him taking myslef and other football players out to lunch. Father Myers was there when my father passed away and again there when be Baptized my daughter. Thoughts of St. Mary's always have always included Father Myers. I will miss him.

Wendy Crosley

November 30, 2009

I attended St. Mary's and have found memories of Father Myers. He presided over my sister's wedding years later. His humor will be greatly missed.

Alycia Detvay

November 30, 2009

Father Myers was always a staple of St Mary's life. He will be greatly missed by all of those lives he touched.

John Friel

November 30, 2009

On hearing of “Uncle Rawl"’s passing, my memories are of pick-up basketball; a man filled with sincerity, humility, humor; and a prodigious love of both his family and his Church. I’ve never been able to think of him without smiling…even now.

Riner Family

November 30, 2009

My husband I attended St. Mary's where Fr. Meyers was always on the sidelines of the football field cheering us on. As a player, it meant so much to my husband to see his support and his messages were always so positive and motivating. Four years later we were blessed as a couple when he presided over our wedding. His humor and commonsense was refreshing. He will be missed.

John Abrahams

November 30, 2009

Dear family

I am so saddened to learn of "Uncle Rawl's" passing. And yet, I know he is now basking in the light of the One whom he has loved and served for so long. I was someone who was blessed to be around him for several years, almost as part of the family.

I will always remember his wonderful wit (a genetic Myers trait) and love for the gospel. He genuinely cared for people and was a priest after God's own heart. I smile when I remember playing tennis with him many, many years ago. I didn't think a priest was supposed to be that good! Shame on me. He played me like a piano. And yet I still cherish that memory. How wonderfully odd.
I always felt so welcomed around him. Much the way I felt around all of you. Uncle Rawl was a perfect extension of your family, and I was blessed to be part of that inner circle, brief as it was. I thank you for letting me share that.

I know that he is truly happier now than he has ever been. But we will miss him and his warming smile. Please know that my thoughts, my prayers and my heart are with you.

All my best,
John Abrahams

Miranda Boyer

November 30, 2009

I attended St. Joseph's Church and St. Mary's High School...I'm saddend to know of Father Myers passing..he was a super cool guy and very active in his community - thoughts and prayers go out to the family and all who knew him - I will miss him deeply!!

November 30, 2009

Dear Myers Family, The passing of a very great man, a holy man, a dedicated Priest and truly a Priest's Priest. He was a dear friend of our Brother Thomas More Janeck, Capuchin. It was through him we all met. With Father Tom gone to heaven, he and Rawley will enjoy the the delights of swapping "yarns" for ages to come. Prayers for your family and for the eternal rest and peace of a man who truly deserves to have eternal rest.
Brother Felix, Capuchin.

Michael Schulz

November 30, 2009

Wow. We were talking about Father Myers at Thanksgiving dinner. I'll always remember him walking the sidelines at St. Mary's football games with his #12 jersey on. He was a great supporter and good friend to all. He will be missed.

Allen Kerby

November 29, 2009

Dear Meyers Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Father Meyers was the heart and soul for many of us who attended St.Mary's. He will be missed but touched the hearts and lives of so many he won't be forgotten.

Trisha Husome

November 29, 2009

Myers Family,
I learned of this obit through my sister, who still lives in Colorado Springs. I have warm memories of Father Myers saying mass on Sundays at your cabin at Eleven Mile when I was Katie's guest there as a child. I remember him as a kind and devoted man. My condolences to all of you.

November 29, 2009

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 29th from 1-4 p.m. at Swan Law Funeral Directors. The Rosary will be held on Monday, November 30th at 7 p.m. at St. Mary's Cathedral. The Mass of the Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 1st at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Cathedral followed by a reception. Private Burial at Evergreen Cemetery.

November 29, 2009

Will D.

November 29, 2009

He was a good and holy priest, God bless him. He'll be sorely missed.

Cherith Marchase

November 29, 2009

Tedde and Family,
We were saddened to learn of Father Myers passing. He is seated beside the Lord with other members of your family. He was an incrediable man! He and Rev. Rushing married Babes and I in the Methodist Church in Colorado Springs! Babes and I have had many blessings in our lives, but what a compliment to Father Myers bless our marriage in the sight of God.
With all my love,
Cherith Henderson Marchase

Angela Turpin-Whitfield

November 29, 2009

Father Meyers was the Pirates' biggest fan. He was my favorite priest, always making jokes to put a smile on our faces. You will be deeply missed but your legacy at St. Mary's will live on forever.

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