Gerald L. “Curley” Myers

May 18, 2013

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Gerald L. “Curley” Myers 93, of Mulberry, IN, known by all as your “ole” Buckaroo Buddy, died Sunday May 19, 2013 at 2:42am at the Mulberry Health and Retirement Community, Mulberry, IN. Born April 1, 1920 in Boone County, IN to Clarence L Myers and Edna G (Snowden) Myers. Married: Algilee Wright on Nov. 24, 1940 in Clairmont, IN, she preceded him in death on Jan. 13, 2001. He then married Anne (Young) Gordon on Dec. 21, 2008 and she survives. Curley grew up in Clinton County, IN with a mixture of farm and small city life. Attended grade school in Forest, IN, and Frankfort, IN he graduated in 1938 from Frankfort High School. Music was a commanding influence from the early age of 8, as the years progressed, there was always musical activity, the Woodside Harmonica Band, the Hoosier Ramblers Band (1936-1938), the Semi Solid Ramblers, Cap’n Stubby and the Buccaneers (1939-1945), Shady Acres Ranch in Mulberry, IN (1949-1957), and then Curley spent over 15 years with WFBM-TV Channel 6 in Indianapolis as the ”Saturday Morning Cowboy”. Curley has spent well over 60 years pickin’, singin’ and grinnin’ in the field of entertainment. Curley moved from Mulberry, IN to Lafayette, IN in 1965 and was associated in sales with Culligan Water. Mr. Myers was a 50 year member of the Mulberry Masonic Lodge #618

Visitation and Services

Friends may visit from 4-7pm Wednesday May 22, 2013 at Goodwin Funeral Home with service there on Thursday at 10am. Interment to follow in Bunnell Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Frankfort Senior High School Music Department, envelopes will be available.

Survived by:

Wife-Ann Gordon Myers of Mulberry, IN, 1 Son- Gary V. Myers of Attica, IN, 4 Daughters-Connie J. Clark of Iowa City, IA, Vickie E. Myers of Attica, IN, Katina K. Hodson of Attica, IN, Penny D. Gauder of Franklin, TN, 4 Grandchildren-Heather M Deboard, Joseph M Hatke, Tawna L Kirby and Allison M Gauder

Preceded by:

A brother Garnell Wayne Myers in 1949.

Condolences

49 Condolences for “Gerald L. “Curley” Myers”

  1. Sandy Allee Leill May 20, 2013 at 4:56 pm

    Vickie, I’m so sorry for your loss. I think of you and your parents every time I drive by your old house by the park. Hope you’re doing well.

  2. John Graves May 20, 2013 at 8:26 pm

    Heaven has another great picker. RIP Curley. I remember watching you play at the Fairfield Mfg. Christmas parties for a number of years growing up as a child. You would have us kids gather around the stage at the Memorial Union Hall and sing along. Thank you for the memories and God bless you and your family.

  3. George Buck May 20, 2013 at 8:51 pm

    I was one of his fans when he was on channel 4 when I was a kid. Curley Meyers Chuck Wagon Theater. Great show and a great man husband and father. God Bless the Family.

  4. Roberta L. Wade &Teresa E. Wade-Nice May 20, 2013 at 9:11 pm

    He will be greatly missed. It was a pleasure working with him at Culligan. He had a way of making things fun! Our condolences goes out to the family.

  5. Sheila Vandergraff May 20, 2013 at 9:55 pm

    So sorry to hear this. I think when I was little, Curley was our Mr. Softy Man. My prayers are with the family.

  6. Ron Underhill May 21, 2013 at 2:29 am

    From the whole Underhill Family.

    Thoughts, Prayers, and some wonderful memories of a wonderful man are with you and your family. A Toast! Here is to soft ice-cream, a pie in the face, and Good Family Music!

  7. Dale A. Snoddy May 21, 2013 at 7:54 am

    Curly provided many fun Saturday mornings for my brother Brian and me. We’d get up early to watch “The Harlow Hickenlooper Show,” featuring songs, 3 Stooges shorts, zaniness, and all-around fun. I had the pleasure of interviewing Curly at Frankfort High School’s Hot Dog TV a few years back. I’m going to find that video and relive that memory. Thanks, Curly, for all the memories.

  8. William Platt May 21, 2013 at 8:54 am

    I will never forget him I can remember when I was a kid my mom and dad took me to shady acres and at that time I thought he was a real cowboy singer That was over 60 yrars ago. Every time I would see him on the street or pass him by the house on Main he would have that big smile and say hi. I am sure a lot people think the same. What a good man.

  9. Anita Hartman May 21, 2013 at 12:42 pm

    Curly was such an inspiration to me when I was younger. I remember my folks and the rest of the family going to ‘Shady Acres’ and have so much fun.
    I am sorry to say that I thought Curly had passed a long time ago. I am so glad that he was around longer than I thought to inspire many other people as he did me.
    I am so sorry for your loss, but his entertainment will not be forgotten and his legacy will live on in the remaining people who remember him.
    God Bless ~

  10. Linda Pierson Feeser May 21, 2013 at 12:48 pm

    Family,
    So sorry to hear about your Dad. He was certainly one of a kind, was loved by many and will be missed deeply.
    Vickie and Gary my special thoughts go out to you at this time of loss.
    Love,
    Linda

  11. Tom McCool May 21, 2013 at 12:58 pm

    Condolences to Curley’s family. I was a “Buckaroo Buddy” in the 1960s, and later had the pleasure of knowing Curley personally as a member of the Lafayette Breakfast Optimist Club. The one word that always comes to mind when I think of Curley is “gentleman.”

  12. Jo Wilson Wade May 21, 2013 at 1:10 pm

    In about 1960 or 61, my oldest brother entered a contest to pick a name for a collie dog and win the dog on the Saturday Morning Cowboy show. We won (with the name King – wonder what the bad names were?) and got to appear on the show, I was 4 or 5 and got to sit on Curley’s lap during the presentation, I was a fan ever since! He was a kind and talented man. I am greatly sorry for your loss. I hope the good memories of him carry you through the tough times.

  13. Bruce McKinney May 21, 2013 at 1:35 pm

    Like thousands of others, Curley was a tremendous positive influence on me growing up in Indiana and watching him on Saturday mornings. Our Buckaroo Buddy holds a special place in our collective memory and hearts. Vaya con Dios my friend.

  14. John Byrd May 21, 2013 at 1:52 pm

    I have played music with Curly many times when I asked him to fill in for a horn player at the Monticello American Legion when I had my band many years ago. I always asked him to fill in and play a melody lead on his guitar in addition to his singing. He did all of this very well and I was amazed at what a virtuoso he was on the guitar. He was reluctant to play lead on the guitar because he didn’t think he was good enough to do that. But he was more than good enough…he played beautifully.
    I remember many times as a kid going to the Shady Acres Ranch in Mulberry and listening to him play and introduce big names singers and musicians from Nashville. My sincere condolences to his family. He will be missed by all of us who knew him and by the many musicians who played music with him. God Bless you Curley Myers…my friend.

  15. Cheryl Oliver May 21, 2013 at 2:03 pm

    Like many others, I sure am saddened by this news. I grew up knowing Curly as a friend of my dads. He would always entertain at the Rostone Christmas parties and my dad would go visit him from time to time. I remember the many stories about Curly that my dad would share. He was always the nicest man and so sweet. A little ornery but that is what made him the man he was. My heart goes out to the family and be assured, Curly will truly be missed and he was truly loved by many.

  16. M Gifford May 21, 2013 at 2:21 pm

    The passing of “Curley” is losing a small piece of childhood for me and many other native Hoosiers. My heartfelt condolences to his family.

  17. Steve Blickenstaff May 21, 2013 at 2:35 pm

    Watched “Curley Myers” On the Harlow Hickenlooper Show on Sat. mornings as a kid. Sitting in front of the TV with my pj’s on. I’m 58 now and had no idea he was still in the area. Was certainly rock star status with adults my age. Would have loved to have met him in person…….THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES! from Delphi In.

  18. Dania Remaly May 21, 2013 at 2:45 pm

    Condolences to you Anne and all the folks at the Home, Cottages, and Villa. Curly was an inspiration from an early age as a lil Buckaroo Buddy. He was a good family man, had a wonderful melodic voice, and was sincerely humble about his talent and life. He sang and said, “I’m sippin from my saucer cause my cup overflows…”

  19. Harry Cangany May 21, 2013 at 2:56 pm

    I have happy memories of Saturday morning with Channel 6 and Curley all those years ago. As a grade schooler back then, I saw my dad’s favorite cowboy stars and got a chance to learn about them and to be entertained by Curley with his stories and songs. I was a Buckaroo Buddy, and, although, I never met Curley in person, I knew we were pals. God Bless you and your family, and thank you for such happy memories.

  20. Deb (Sunny) Thompson May 21, 2013 at 3:01 pm

    I had the pleasure of meeting Curly when he invited my husband, Phil Thompson, to perform with him, his band and Harlow on more recent CD projects and for a local engagement a while back. They were such meaningful occasions to Phil because had grown up watching them on television – they were childhood heroes! He will be remembered by so many, and his memory will always bring a smile. Our condolences to Anne, whom we also had the pleasure of meeting, and the family.

  21. Rosa Lapham Cameron May 21, 2013 at 3:39 pm

    Dear Vik, Connie, Gary and family,
    So sorry for your loss. I will be praying for your family as you go through this difficult time!
    I will always remember “Shady Acres,” “Hamilton,” “Mulberry,” and all of you!

  22. John Collier May 21, 2013 at 4:14 pm

    I have fond memories of the time when our church group went to the studio to see The Harlow Hickenlooper Show. I remember Curly playing songs and being a wonderful entertainer. I was at the History Museum in Indianapolis a few years back and ran into Harlow and I was able to tell him how much I enjoyed the experience of being on his show. I asked about Curly and he told me that he was still alive, it warmed my heart. Curly was a good man, he brought joy to so many. I will always remember those mornings in front of the TV with my sisters enjoying the show. May he rest in peace. God Bless Curly and his family.

  23. Karen Steiner May 21, 2013 at 5:29 pm

    To the family of Curley Myers: Thank you for sharing Curley through the years! He was a wonderful and remembered part of my childhood. God bless you!

  24. Paul Robinson May 21, 2013 at 6:02 pm

    It is amazing how much one person can influence so many lives. I am one of countless people who have fond memories of attending concerts at Shady Acres Ranch in Mulberry, and of being a Buckaroo Buddy on Saturday morning television. In addition to Curley Meyers’ success and positive influence as a musician, he never forgot his roots.

  25. Carol Sauer Kuner May 21, 2013 at 6:07 pm

    I remember my parents taking me to see him what a thrill!

  26. Dan McGuire May 21, 2013 at 6:17 pm

    From hearing him on the radio with Capt. Stubby to watching him on stage at Shady Acres, Curley was one of my earliest musical heroes. His character and personality were as strong as his musical talent. I’m happy the last time I saw him I was able to entertain him. Happy Trails!

  27. Claude M Rossman May 21, 2013 at 7:28 pm

    I got to meet Curley when I was a young guy. He was in Indianapolis on a Mr. Softee route. The gun he carried felt heavy at the time when he let me hold it. He was my idol. I will miss you Curley. You brought happiness into my life when I was growing up. RIP, we will meet again someday.

  28. Mary Lynn Davis Peter May 21, 2013 at 8:41 pm

    I remember Curly from my younger years. Watched him all the time on TV. He knew my parents, Earl and Ruth Davis and would stop by for a visit once in awhile. He would sit me on his lap and sing “Little Buck-a-roo”. Those were great memories. RIP Curley!

  29. Sue Bryan Conley May 21, 2013 at 9:34 pm

    Sincere sympathy to the family.

  30. Wilma (Beutel) Page May 21, 2013 at 10:44 pm

    To the Myers Family.
    I am so sorry to hear of Curley’s death. What a joy to have known him and to have worked with him at Culligan. I also remember him from Shady Acres. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Rest in peace, Curley you ole buckaroo buddy. Thanks for the memories………

  31. Brenda Melville May 22, 2013 at 12:06 am

    I’m going to miss you, Gerald. You’ve been “family” my whole life and a great friend to my Dad. If you see him in Heaven, give him a big hug for me.
    My love and condolences to all the kids and grand kids.

  32. Ron Smith May 22, 2013 at 12:11 am

    I watched Curley on his Saturday morning TV show when I was living in Mulberry in the 6th grade. Then, my brother Larry and I got to mow his lawn! We thought we were big shots to be mowing the lawn of such a celebrity. I went with my parents, Bill and Bobby Smith to visit at his house several times. The thing in those visits that impressed me the most was a tree house he had built for his kids. He made the ladder in such a way that an adult couldn’t climb it… only a kid. I thought that was great. But it wasn’t until years later that I really got to know Curley. As a sound man in Lafayette, I had many occasions where I was providing sound for Curley and his musical friends. At that time I developed a lot of respect and admiration for him. He was truly a person one looked forward to working with and talking with. We will all miss him. Condolences from my mother, Barbara Smith, my brother Tom Smith and myself.

  33. Tommy Derflinger May 22, 2013 at 1:16 am

    Tina (and all your family)-I am so sorry to see the loss of your father. I have very fond memories of him on TV and in Mulberry. He will be missed in person, but not in our minds and hearts.

  34. Konie Hughes May 22, 2013 at 1:47 am

    My condolences to the family. I have very fond memories of Curley Myers entertaining handicapped children and adults at Christmas parties at the Merou Grotto, and elsewhere in Lafayette, for decades. He always had a smile and was a wonderful entertainer. I’ll always remember the smiles and squeals of delight of these children and adults as they sang along with Curley, at times taking over his microphone! Thank you, Curley, for sharing your many gifts.

  35. Kenneth Cree May 22, 2013 at 2:06 am

    I had a band back in the early 60’s Kenny and the Counts. I needed some speakers one night and went to Curley’s house and ask if he had any I could use (I didn’t know him then). He said sure, took me out to his back building and let me use two speaker horns. I never did forget that. I would see him in Lafayette once in a while and we would talk. I use to watch him on TV every weekend. He could really play the banjo too. I have his CD and Book also. I will miss him and his kindness.

  36. Robert “Cowboy Bob” Glaze May 22, 2013 at 3:37 am

    Curley’s forever saddle-pal Harlo…AKA Hal Fryar…AKA Johnny Ringo…called us at the Chuckwagon (on “tin-can & string”) from Florida to share the news. Curly’s pickin’ will be sorely “mist” by the campfire! From the WTTV “Chuckwagon Theater” cast & crew…”Cowboy” Bob Glaze et al!

  37. Connie Kallner Fausset May 22, 2013 at 4:46 am

    To the Myers family: The Shady Acres Ranch Gang, Curley, Keith “Big Foot” Kallner, Bob Coapstick and Bob Harshman are surely singing together again in heaven and what beautiful music they are making!! What a wonderful childhood and parents we had and what wonderful memories we have to cherish. Our hearts go out to all of you with prayers for peace and comfort from the Keith and Ada Kallner family.

  38. Sandi Huge Gillaspy May 22, 2013 at 10:33 am

    To Gary and Family,
    Losing your Dad is hard on you and your whole family, I am sure. I remember when you were at Shelbyville High School and the fond way you referred to him then. You are all in my prayers and thoughts.

  39. John Glick and Douglas Stier May 22, 2013 at 1:33 pm

    The Myers and Glick families go way back. The memories will always be rich and frequent. Your dad has now completed the foursome in the great beyond, so let the fun begin! Our sympathies and condolences to your family in this difficult time. The tears shed here are nothing compared to the tears of joy from those who welcomed him in this next stage of his life! We wish we could be with you, but this week I am traveling in Tulsa and Doug is traveling in Tennessee (on business). We would rather be there to give you each hugs and to share our tears…God be with you always!

  40. Bob Foster May 22, 2013 at 2:55 pm

    Condolences to Ann and Curley’s entire family. He will be missed by all who knew him. As a friend and fellow musician, Curley showed me the difference between being just a performer and being an entertainer. He was a pro at entertaining audiences. I’m grateful for having known him and for the few moments that we spent together.

  41. Clyde Alsop May 22, 2013 at 5:54 pm

    Curley will be missed by many people. I first met him in 1956Agroup of us kids at Sunnyside Junior High got together to learn square dancing.
    One of the fathers, Lawrence Ford managed us and was able to get us on Curley’s Television show. We were also asked to dance at Shady Acres.
    I saw many times after I grew up, and he always had a good word and a smile for everybody.

  42. Katherine Hodge Mario May 22, 2013 at 7:00 pm

    Dearest Cousin Ann:
    How Pam and I love watching the 3 Stay Western Theater Time and singing with Curley.
    Mom (Julia Shanks Hodge Cooprider) really liked him too and we all thought it very romantic that you two got together!
    My mom’s cousin married to A STAR!
    Much love and sincere sympathy. He is a man to be missed!

  43. Carolyn Adams May 22, 2013 at 8:02 pm

    The world has lost another great talent & Heaven has gained another one. I grew up watching Curley every time he was on. In the 90’s I managed 2 nursing homes in Lebanon. Curley came several times to entertain our folks, and he always greeted each of our residents personally. He always closed his program with Buckaroo Buddies at my request. Such a kind man. He will truly be missed. My sympathies to the family.

  44. Randy and Scarlett Coapstick May 22, 2013 at 11:46 pm

    Randy was very young but well remembers getting to go to Shady Acres on weekends while his Dad, Bob Coapstick, played in a country-western band. When Rod, Randy’s brother passed away, Curly came to the funeral and both Randy and his sister Darrell, got to talk with him again. Curly sent them a tape of the old TV show where they all performed. It was wonderful to see him and talk about all the good times. Curly brought music into the Coapstick family and we are thankful for all the memories.

  45. Ron Riggan May 23, 2013 at 2:33 pm

    I am so sorry to hear of Curley’s passing. It is so admirable to have the reputation of being someone who brought happiness to so many people. I loved watching him on his own show and with Harlow when I was a kid. I got to meet Curley at his 90th birthday party and found him to be a kind and gracious man. My sincerest sympathy to all the family. Happy Trails Curley, “til we meet again!

  46. Margie Wolczak May 23, 2013 at 8:54 pm

    I’m sorry to hear of Curley’s passing. But what a wonderful tribute as I have read through all of the messages to your family about people’s memories of such a admired man. As I told you Vickie my very first memory was at Shady Acres, when my grandparents, Carl and Mary Williams worked for Curley and I was given a bath there to wash off the dust after playing around there all day while my grandparents cleaned . I remember Curley from the time I was a small child I think I was four or five years old at the time. My Grandpa also played music at Shady Acres and my whole family admired Curley. He truly touched so many lives,and generations of friends and families. All of his Buckaroo Buddies will sorely miss Curley but thank him for the wonderful memories ! I’m sure he’s still making music and entertaining! My sympathy goes out to your family but hopefully you’ll find comfort in remembering the good times he brought to you and so many others.

  47. Tom and Jane Sheets May 24, 2013 at 11:08 pm

    Our condolences to your family. Tom and I were “Buckaroo Buddy.” I was surprised to learn when Tom and I married that Curley was a personal friend of the Stoke/Sheets family. Grandma Della, Uncle Jim, and Curley would entertain us at family reunions in TPA park. Our families have many fond memories of Curley. Our sincere sympathy and our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

  48. Darrell Ann Coapstick Etchison May 26, 2013 at 2:49 am

    Gary, Connie, and Vickie,
    I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. My prayers and thoughts are with you. He was a wonderful man with great insight. He and my dad, Bob Coapstick, along with Keith Kallner, opened Shady Acres in 1949 and were known as the Shady Acres Ranch Gang. He was a big part of my life, as our families spent so much time together with rehearsals, appearances, and Sundays at Shady Acres. So many “Precious Memories”. He was generous, kind, and genuine which is why he was loved by so many. He will be missed.

  49. Mary Hoyt May 27, 2013 at 5:31 pm

    So very, very sorry for your loss. Words are inadequate. Our loss, heaven’s gain. I pray that you find peace in the fact that Curley is in the best of ‘hands’. God bless you and your family.

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