William H. "Bill" Myer, 87, of Delphi, died at 1:10 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008, at St. Elizabeth Healthcare Center in Delphi.

Born Oct. 29, 1920, on his parents' farm near Camden, he was the son of Earl and Jessie (Musselman) Myer. He graduated from Camden High School in 1939. In 1942, he graduated from the Purdue pilot training course and from the University of Iowa ground school.

His marriage was on Feb. 18, 1950, in Rockville, to Patricia J. Morris, who survives.

Mr. Myer was the district manager for Shell Oil from 1950-1954. He owned the Shell & Goodyear Store in Delphi from 1954-1971. He then worked as a salesman for Kendrick Buick-Cadillac in Lafayette from 1971 until he retired in 2001.

He held the rank of ensign in the U.S. Navy and was a torpedo bomber pilot in 1943. He served for 45 months during World War II as a lieutenant and was awarded the distinguished flying cross and seven other air medals for his service.

He also survived the sinking of his aircraft carrier the U.S.S. Princeton on Oct. 24, 1944, by Japanese dive bombers off Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands. He participated in six other major air, sea and land battles during WWII.

Mr. Myer was a 57-year member of the Delphi American Legion, a member of the Delphi First Presbyterian Church and a former member of the Elks Lodge, Masonic Lodge and the Carroll County Country Club.

He enjoyed gardening, IU basketball and Purdue football.

Surviving with his wife are a daughter, Jan Myer-Blau (husband: Gary) of West Lafayette, and a brother: Bob Myer of Frankfort.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Michael; two sisters, Martha Starner and Mary Vermillion; and a brother, John Myer.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service Saturday afternoon at the First Presbyterian Church, Delphi. Pastor Bill McLean and St. Elizabeth Hospice Spiritual Counselor Jack Johnson led the service. Burial was at Musselman Cemetery, near Camden.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or St. Elizabeth Hospice.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.davidsonfh.com.