David N. Myers, a nationally recognized business executive, spent his life giving back to the community.

As a young man, he built his thriving business from the knowledge he gained as a student at Dyke College. The business degree he earned in 1922 served as the foundation for a lifetime of success in the business world. He was a widely recognized philanthropist whose financial contributions greatly benefited the health and welfare of the citizens of Greater Cleveland.

Born in Cleveland in 1900, Myers grew up with an entrepreneurial father who owned a coopering business. The business needed a bookkeeper, and Myers prepared by attending Dyke College and earning an accounting degree.

Ironically, Myers never worked for his father's business. Instead, he was offered a job by one of his father's customers -- Byerlyte Corporation. Mr. Byerley was the inventor of the process of making asphalt from petroleum and owned an asphalt refining business. Myers, hired as a chemist for Byerlyte, worked his way up to become chief chemist of the company. When Mr. Byerley died, Myers took over the company as president. That company eventually evolved into Consolidated Coatings Corporation, which named Myers chairman of the board in 1969. He also served as chairman for the Hastings Pavement Company.

Myers held the position of life trustee at Mt. Sinai Hospital, and president emeritus for Menorah Home for the Aged, a major facility for the aged, which he helped build and develop. Myers was also an honorary life trustee of ARC and was a member of the international advisory council for the World Jewish Congress since 1966. He was a founder of both the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City.

Myers' unwavering commitment to the community has not gone unnoticed. He was the recipient of many prestigious honors, including the United Appeal Distinguishing Service Award, the Eleanor Roosevelt Humanities Award, the Charles Eisenman Award of the Jewish Community Federation, the Philosophy Award of ARC, the Ollie A. Randall Award for the National Council on Aging, and was named a member of the Ohio Senior Hall of Fame.

Myers credited his business success to the broad-based education he received at Dyke College. Mr. Myers' generosity and commitment to the college was unwavering.  They were never more evident than his most recent efforts, which saw him responsible for contributions totaling $2 million to the school's $8 million 150th Anniversary campaign, $5 million of which was earmarked for a major renovation of the Prospect Avenue main campus building. Mr. Myers not only made a major personal contribution, but he also recommended substantial grants from philanthropic funds he established at the Jewish
Community Federation of Cleveland, which were approved by the Federation's Board of Trustees.

Mr. Myers life of service and achievement ended July 22, 1999.  At the time of Mr. Myers' death, College President Dr. Arnold G. Tew stated "We will remember him as a man long in vision and young at heart.  His warmth and story-telling touched all who met him."

Mr. Myers was survived at the time of his death by his wife, Mrs. Inez Myers, his sons, Hal of Shaker Heights and Dr. Deiter of Beachwood, a sister, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Mr. Myers will be missed greatly by all those who benefited from his generosity and kindness.
 
 

Article on Mr. Myers from the Plain Dealer Sunday Magazine, December 15, 1996.