Though a private figure, Marlynn Myers found herself entangled in the story of John Wayne Gacy, one of America’s most notorious serial killers. Her life took a major turn when her husband, once viewed as a promising businessman, turned out to be a dangerous criminal. However, Marlynn’s story is distinct with its own complexities and difficulties. Known for her resilience and dedication to her family, Myers’ life provides insight into the ripple effects of Gacy’s actions on those who once trusted him.
Background
Born in the early 1940s, Marlynn Myers comes from a business family. Her father operated several Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) franchises – through which she met John Wayne Gacy. Young, ambitious, and eager to start a family, Myers fell for Gacy, who at the time appeared dependable and driven. She was drawn to Gacy’s outward charisma and drive, and she believed they could have a stable future together.
In September 1964, Myers married Gacy. She was attracted to his charm and his business ambitions. Gacy was at the time looking to make a name for himself and join the ranks of her family business. They moved to Waterloo, Iowa, where Gacy managed three KFC restaurants owned by her father. Myers’ life appeared to be going well, as she had a supportive husband, was close to her family, and was about starting her own.
Family Life and Parenthood
Marlynn and Gacy settled in Iowa and soon had two children: one son and one daughter. Myers was an active mom who valued family life. She hoped her children would be raised in a stable home and that Gacy’s position in the family business would secure their future. For a brief moment, her life appeared to be on track. Her husband had work, they lived comfortably, and she was raising their children.
But underneath the cloak of normality, Myers would only come to understand Gacy’s troubling behaviors. Her husband’s darker tendencies were leading him down a path that would destroy her family and upend her world.
The Unraveling of Gacy’s Crimes
In 1968, Gacy was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting two teenage boys, changing Marlynn Myers’ life forever. This shocked Myers, who knew nothing about her husband’s actions. The conviction earned Gacy 10 years in prison. Myers had a choice to stay married to a felon or move forward to protect her family’s future. She ultimately chose to divorce Gacy in 1969.
Though it was a painful and confusing time, Myers knew her decision was necessary. She became the sole caretaker of their two children, shielding them from the media spotlight and stigma surrounding their father’s actions. This started her journey as a single mother determined to provide for her children.
Moving Forward
Marlynn Myers rebuilt her life after the divorce. She kept a low profile, hoping to distance herself and her children from Gacy’s legacy. For decades, she largely remained out of the public eye, working to offer her children a stable upbringing despite the dark shadow cast by their father’s crimes.
