On May 4, during Carmel’s inaugural Cherry Blossom Festival, a moment of reflection and celebration will intertwine as the Myers family gathers to honor their beloved patriarch, Jerry Richard Myers, on what would have been his 87th birthday. Jerry’s passing earlier this year marked the end of an era, yet his legacy as a fifth-generation Carmel resident and steadfast community leader lives on.
For the Myers family, the roots run deep-five generations deep to be exact. The family’s connection to Carmel began in 1832, when the Myers name first appeared among the nine pioneer families of Delaware Township. As history would reveal, these families not only worked hand in hand to establish the community, but also became interwoven through ties of marriage and shared dedication. The Flowing Well monument, erected in 1926, serves as a lasting tribute to the contributions of those pioneering families, including the Myers family, whose descendants continue to leave their mark on Carmel.
Dr. Jerry Myers, a local ophthalmologist, embodied the spirit of Carmel’s heritage. Together with his wife, Kay, Jerry played an instrumental role in founding the Carmel Sister City organization, fostering cultural exchange and global relationships that enriched the city. Perhaps most notably, the couple collaborated with local leaders, including members of the Japan-America Society of Indiana, to ensure Carmel’s Japanese garden remained a true reflection of Japanese culture, even as proposals to introduce a Chinese garden were being considered. Their advocacy shaped the serene space we enjoy today.
The Myers family’s connection to Carmel transcended civic contributions; they were caretakers of the land itself. Farming operations on the east side of Carmel, now home to neighborhoods like Delaware Trace and Cherry Creek Estates, were once bustling hubs of Myers family activity. The last chapter of their agricultural legacy concluded in 1995, when farming operations ceased.
As the Myers family stands proudly during the Cherry Blossom Festival, remembering Jerry’s passion for community, cultural exchange and history, his enduring impact becomes clear. The legacy he leaves behind is not just etched in monuments or city projects, but in the spirit of Carmel, woven into the fabric of its past, present and future. Jerry Myers was more than a resident; he was a bridge between generations, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who call Carmel home.
