William C. Myler
November 15, 1925 – November 8, 2015

William Charles Myler (“Bill”) died peacefully in Mount Pleasant, Michigan on November 8, 2015, in the loving care of his wife, Dolores, and surrounded by his family. The life giving staff of the Isabella County Medical Care Facility attended him in his final days.

Bill was born on November 15, 1925, in Joliet, Illinois. He was the first of three sons born to Charles and Marie (Offerman) Myler. His father started Muskegon Development Company in 1926 and discovered the Muskegon oilfield, firmly establishing Michigan on the national scene as an oil producing state. At the age of two, Bill’s family moved to Muskegon, Michigan, where he graduated from Saint Joseph High School in 1943. He obtained an accounting degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1950. His college days were interrupted by World War II. He served in the Pacific Fleet as a Navy radioman on the LSM-390. His commission took him to Asia where he cruised the Yangtze River helping supply the U.S. Marines in China. Upon returning from the war and graduating from Notre Dame, he lived in West Branch, Michigan, and began working for Muskegon Development Company. He was a full time oilman ever since.

Bill married Dolores Marie (Betka) Myler at Saint Michael’s Catholic Church in Muskegon. They celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on October 4, 2015. Bill’s wife, Dolores, and their six children, survive him; Mary Myler Hunter of Mount Pleasant, Ellen Myler of East Grand Rapids, Bill Myler, Jr. (Pamela) of Mount Pleasant, Jean Beaudet (Brian) of Birmingham, James Myler (Pauline) of Gaylord, and Joel Myler (Mary Beth) of Traverse City. He is survived by many grand and great-grand children, and his brothers, Thomas (Mary Lee) Myler of Dearborn and Charles Myler, Jr. of Phoenix, Arizona. Bill lived in Mount Pleasant for 47 years and enjoyed relaxing on Grand Traverse Bay and in Naples, Florida.

Bill proudly worked for Muskegon Development Company all of his life, serving as its chief executive officer and chairman of the board. Under his leadership, Muskegon Development Company grew from primarily a drilling company with eight cable tool rigs to a producer operating over 1,300 wells in Michigan and Texas. He was active in almost every oil and gas play in Michigan, and took special interest in the Rose City, West Branch, Kawkawlin and Antrim fields. Bill participated in many other oil and gas projects in Michigan and in Texas, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Utah, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois. He was a founding member of Globex Energy Company, an international oil and gas exploration and production company in West Africa and Australia. He was a pioneer in producing oil using secondary recovery methods and was proficient at extending the life of marginal wells by maintaining low cost operations. Bill was respected as a knowledgeable authority on oil and gas and an honest businessman whose word and handshake were his bond.

Bill was active in industry issues and regulation at the state level (through the Michigan Oil and Gas Association “MOGA”) and the national level (through the Independent Petroleum Association of America “IPAA”). He was a very strong voice for the independent oil and gas producer. Bill regularly attended IPAA meetings beginning in 1950. He was Chairman of MOGA in 1968 and 1969. He served as Chairman of MOGA’s General Practices Committee for over 30 years and was instrumental in writing the oil and gas regulations that govern the Michigan oilpatch. Bill served on Michigan’s Oil and Gas Advisory Board for over 20 years. He was a director of MOGA and involved with its leadership for over 60 years. Throughout his career he offered valuable guidance on industry issues. Bill received IPAA’s “Great American Producer Award” honoring him for exemplary lifetime service to the oil and gas industry.

Bill was active in his local community, serving in numerous civic positions and as director of a local bank. His philanthropy benefited hospital initiatives, community charity, and scholarships. He was resolutely committed to his Catholic faith and steadfastly supported his church and Catholic education. He was an active parishioner of Sacred Heart Church and strongly favored Sacred Heart Academy in Mount Pleasant. He also supported the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools in Traverse City, Gaylord Saint Mary’s School, and the University of Notre Dame. He served in about every volunteer lay position possible in church and school administration, including being president of the school board, parish finance committee, parish council, and the athletic association.

Bill was a true Notre Dame man, taking to heart the motto “God, Country, and Notre Dame”. He lived the values of Our Lady’s school throughout his life. Bill lived his life quietly but with great intention; he was generous and humble beyond measure. He always led by example and took on challenges not for personal gain, but because they were the right thing to do. He was devoted to his wife and family; leading and loving them in faith, diligence, and honesty.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Visitation shall take place at the Clark Family Funeral Chapel in Mount Pleasant on Wednesday, November 11th from 2:00 - 4:30 p.m. and from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., with a Vigil Prayer Service and Rosary at 7:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, November 12th at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Mount Pleasant. Reverend Loren Kalinowski, Reverend Richard Jozwiak, and Reverend Tom McNamara will celebrate the Mass. Visitation shall take place at the church prior to the funeral from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. All are welcome.

Memorial donations may be made to the Sacred Heart Academy Foundation, Inc. and the Isabella County Medical Care Facility.

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