Rev David M. Myers

Rev. David Myers, beloved pastor, chaplain, activist, teacher, and traveler, passed away on May 7, 2026 following a stroke. David lived a life marked by compassion, courage, faith, and service to others.

Originally from Schuylkill County, David graduated from Dickinson College, where he majored in History and minored in English, before continuing his studies at Drew Theological School. He devoted his life to ministry in the United Methodist Church, serving congregations in Philadelphia, Strasburg, Millersville, Berwyn, and Malvern.

David’s calling to serve others led him into chaplaincy work at Holmesburg Prison in Philadelphia, where he served for eleven years during some of the prison’s most turbulent times. He was present during the July 4 riot of 1970 and again in 1973 when the Warden and Deputy Warden were tragically killed. In the aftermath of that tragedy, David led a moving worship service attended by both correctional officers and inmates, with the inmate choir singing together in remembrance and healing. He later described it as one of the most meaningful services of his life.

Following his prison ministry, David returned to pastoral leadership and later served six years as District Superintendent for the Lancaster District, overseeing 74 churches throughout the region. A man of deep conviction, David believed faith called people not only to worship, but to justice and peace. In 1985 he joined pastors and laypeople from the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference in an anti-apartheid demonstration at the South African Embassy in Washington, D.C., where he was arrested and spent the night in jail in protest of racial injustice. In 1989, he traveled to the Soviet Union as part of a peace delegation for the National Council of Churches, meeting with peace committees in four cities.

David moved to Luther Acres in Lititz, PA in 2007 with his loving wife Joan, to whom he was married for 55 years before she passed away in 2014.

At Luther Acres, David quickly became an integral part of the campus community. He served as president of the Residents’ Council, taught “reDiscover” courses—including one exploring the future of faith—and founded a story-sharing group with fellow residents. Alongside Gail Benner, he helped establish The Forum, Luther Acres’ monthly speaker series that enriched the intellectual and cultural life of the community.

David will be remembered for his gentle wisdom, thoughtful leadership, courageous spirit, and unwavering belief in the dignity of every person. He was a lifelong fan of Philadelphia sports and enjoyed watching all of his hometown teams in all seasons. David’s life touched countless individuals through ministry, advocacy, education, friendship, and simple acts of kindness.

In addition to his beloved spouse Gail, David is survived by daughter, Tara Myers Betham and son, Grant Myers and his wife Jennifer. David was predeceased by his first wife Joan in 2014. He will be greatly missed by friends, colleagues, and the many lives he touched throughout decades of faithful service.

A Service of Death and Resurrection will be held at Grandview Church, 888 Pleasure Road, Lancaster, PA on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 11am with Rev. Jane Dutton officiating. The family will receive friends and share in a reception following the service. To view the service virtually, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/live/c10hkg4zHuk.   Private interment will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Luther Acres Caring Fund, c/o Office for Philanthropy at Luthercare, 600 East Main Street, Lititz, PA 17543.