Dale D. Myers — American aerospace engineer and NASA deputy administrator

Biography of Dale D. Myers (1922–2015), an American aerospace engineer noted for work on the Apollo program and service as NASA Deputy Administrator (1986–1989).

Dale Dehaven Myers (January 8, 1922 – May 19, 2015) was an American aerospace engineer best known for his involvement in crewed spaceflight programs. He spent much of his career supporting spacecraft design and program management before serving in senior leadership at NASA. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Myers combined technical training with decades of program experience.

Education and early career

Myers graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, completing his degree in 1943. Early in his professional life he worked as an engineer on projects that contributed to the development of rockets and spacecraft. His technical background gave him the credibility to move into higher-level engineering and management roles in the aerospace industry.

Work on Apollo and service at NASA

Myers became widely recognized for his work on the Apollo program, the United States effort to land humans on the Moon and return them safely to Earth. He later joined NASA's leadership team and was appointed Deputy Administrator of the agency, serving from October 6, 1986 to May 13, 1989. His tenure coincided with a period of institutional review and recovery for human spaceflight operations; as deputy he helped oversee program planning and technical oversight during that transitional era.

Personal life and later years

Myers was married to Marge Myers and they raised two children. He survived personal adversity, including the loss of one eye in a car accident, and continued to contribute to aerospace projects and advisory activities into retirement. He spent his final years in Southern California and died at his retirement home in La Costa, California, on May 19, 2015, at the age of 93.

Legacy and notable facts

Recognized for technical leadership on major crewed spaceflight programs and system engineering.
Served as NASA Deputy Administrator during a critical recovery and reform period for human spaceflight.
Remembered for bridging detailed engineering work and executive program management.

Myers' career illustrates the role engineers can play in both hands-on technical development and high-level organizational leadership. For more detailed timelines or archival material, consult specialized aerospace histories and institutional records.