The Salem Elks have named Myron Lloyd as its Citizen of the Year.
The announcement came from Leon Chapman and Kent Geary at the Elk’s membership appreciation and awards program on Saturday night.
“We cannot begin to mention everything he has done,” Geary said. “Salem is lucky to have you, Citizen of the Year Myron Lloyd.
Lloyd called the honor a great surprise. He had been brought to the Elk’s for what he thought was a 49th wedding anniversary dinner.
Among Lloyd’s current projects is as a member of the Salem Historical Commission.
“Right away, Jim Koehler joined me and we decided to open the Bryan Home with help from the city and great support from the community,” Lloyd said. “That has become my driving force, along with the Salem Area Historical Museum. The genealogical club, of course, I work with them. History is my other love, outside of my business which was always very important to me. Salem has been very good to me and my family. I cannot say enough about Salem.”
Lloyd was also honored for his work with the First Baptist Church where he is a deacon, the Daffy Dill Garden Club and its work with the Bryan Statue Garden, as well as work with the American Cancer Society, Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry and Hungry Hearts. Lloyd is currently President of the Salem Township Hospital Foundation and was treasurer for 30 years at the Salem Grade School District.
Lloyd noted when he came to Salem in 1974 when graduating college it was only going to be for two and a half years. But when things changed at the former Rankin Funeral Home and he was offered the management position, he never left and retired after 50 years in his profession. Lloyd said he always felt it was important to give back to the community.
