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William A. Myers
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Billy Myers succumbed to a gunshot wound he received on October 18, 1963, during a domestic disturbance with a subject who had a history of mental issues at a farm near La Forge. When Deputy Myers and his partner were placing the subject in their patrol vehicle, taking him to the state hospital at Farmington, a struggle ensued, and Deputy Myers was shot. The suspect also fired at the other deputy but missed. His family attempted to subdue him, but he shot and killed himself. Deputy Myers was shot in the back, paralyzing him. He was transported to Baptist Hospital in Memphis, where he died from his wound 19 days later. Deputy Myers was a United States Army WWII veteran and had served with the New Madrid County Sheriff's Office for over three years. He was hired to replace Deputy Sheriff Cleatus L. Phillips, who was killed on September 12, 1960. Deputy Myers had also served as a city marshal in Portageville and New Madrid.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Deputy Sheriff Myers gave the New Madrid County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the New Madrid community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
William A. Myers served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
New Madrid County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 527 officers killed feloniously in MO, 63.6% of the 829 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
William is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1963, 2 officers in MO were killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 146 years on record. The heaviest was 1920, with 16.
In 1963, 71 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1963, 71 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 106th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 48. Of the 477 killed feloniously in MO whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. William had served 3.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 48. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 3.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 48. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 3.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 6.8% of these deaths in MO; December holds the most, 11%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at New Madrid County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.6% of all 829 deaths in MO, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 4.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
New Madrid County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Military Service
William A. Myers served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit William A. Myers’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 61-E
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from New Madrid County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.