John Wayne Gacy is one of the most infamous serial killers in American history, but before the world knew about his horrifying crimes, he was a husband and father. His first wife, Marlynn Myers, lived a very different life before everything changed in 1968. Unlike Gacy, Marlynn chose to stay out of the spotlight, keeping her life private.
Who was Marlynn Myers? What happened to her after she left Gacy? And where is she now? This article takes a deep dive into her story—from her early life to her marriage, divorce, and how she moved forward.
Let’s get started.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Marlynn Myers |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | Around 1944 |
| Nationality | American |
| Famous For | First wife of John Wayne Gacy |
| Ex-Husband | John Wayne Gacy |
| Marriage Year | 1964 |
| Divorce Year | 1969 |
| Children | Michael Myers, Christine Myers |
| Residence | Unknown (Lives privately) |
| Current Status | Remarried, stays out of public eye |
| Net Worth | Unknown (Never revealed) |
Marlynn Myers’ Early Life
Marlynn Myers’ early life remains somewhat of a mystery. She was born around 1944 in the United States, but details about her childhood and upbringing are not widely known. She likely had a normal life before fate brought her into the path of a man who would later become one of America’s most feared criminals.
Before meeting John Wayne Gacy, Marlynn worked at Nunn-Bush Shoe Company in Springfield, Illinois. This job turned out to be life-changing—not because of the career itself, but because it was where she met Gacy. At the time, he seemed like a charming and hardworking man, and she had no idea of the darkness that lay ahead.
Their connection quickly turned into romance, and before long, they were engaged. To the outside world, they seemed like any young couple in love, excited about their future together.
How Marlynn Myers Met John Wayne Gacy?
Marlynn met Gacy at their workplace in 1964, and they quickly fell in love. Gacy was a smooth talker and gave the impression of being a responsible, ambitious man. He knew how to make people like him, and Marlynn was no exception.
Their relationship progressed quickly. Within months, they were engaged, and by September 1964, they were married. At first, their life seemed picture-perfect. They moved to Waterloo, Iowa, where Marlynn’s father owned several Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) restaurants. Her father even gave Gacy a managerial job, offering a steady income and security.
Everything seemed to be going well. Marlynn believed she had married a man who would provide a stable and happy life for their future children. But behind closed doors, things were not as perfect as they seemed.
Marriage and Family Life
After getting married, Marlynn and Gacy settled into what appeared to be a comfortable life. Gacy was earning $15,000 per year, which was a good salary in the 1960s. The couple had a nice home and soon welcomed two children:
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Michael Myers (born February 1966)
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Christine Myers (born March 1967)
From the outside, they looked like a happy, successful family. Gacy was involved in local organizations and even became active in the Jaycees, a leadership and community service group. Marlynn probably believed she had built the life she had always wanted.
But things started to change. Gacy’s behavior became strange and concerning. While Marlynn focused on raising their children, Gacy spent time partying and engaging in activities that did not align with his image as a family man. What Marlynn didn’t know was that her husband had dangerous secrets—and soon, those secrets would destroy everything.
Gacy’s Arrest and the Collapse of Their Marriage
In 1968, Marlynn’s world turned upside down. Gacy was arrested for sexually assaulting a teenage boy. The case shocked the community, and for Marlynn, it was an unthinkable betrayal. She had no idea the man she married was capable of such terrible things.
As details of the crime emerged, it became clear that Gacy had been hiding his true nature from everyone. He was found guilty and sentenced to 10 years in prison. For Marlynn, this was the final straw—there was no going back.
The life she had built with Gacy crumbled overnight. Their home, their marriage, and their future together were suddenly gone.
Why Marlynn Myers Filed for Divorce?
The moment Gacy was sentenced, Marlynn took action. She immediately filed for divorce, making it clear that she wanted nothing to do with him. She did not hesitate—her priority was protecting her children from their father’s criminal past.
By September 18, 1969, the divorce was finalized. Marlynn was granted full custody of their children, and she cut all ties with Gacy. From that moment on, she chose to live in complete privacy, distancing herself and her family from his dark legacy.
Her decision was not just about survival—it was about creating a better future for herself and her children.
Life After Divorce, How Marlynn Moved On?
After leaving Gacy behind, Marlynn started over. She never spoke publicly about her past and avoided media attention. Unlike other people connected to high-profile criminals, she did not write books or give interviews.
At some point, Marlynn remarried, though the identity of her second husband remains unknown. She likely focused on raising Michael and Christine in a normal, stable environment, far away from the horrors associated with their father.
Her ability to move forward shows incredible strength and resilience. Many people in her situation might have struggled to escape the shadow of a notorious ex-husband, but Marlynn made sure her life was not defined by Gacy’s crimes.
Where Are Marlynn Myers and Her Children Now?
Marlynn and her children have lived private lives, making it difficult to find details about their whereabouts. It is believed that they completely changed their identities to avoid the stigma of being related to Gacy.
Michael and Christine, now in their late 50s, have likely built their own families, far away from the public eye. They have never spoken about their father, and Marlynn has remained silent as well.
Their silence is understandable—no one wants to be linked to such a horrifying past.
Conclusion
Marlynn Myers’ story is one of survival and strength. She unknowingly married a man who would become one of America’s most infamous criminals, but when the truth came out, she did everything in her power to protect herself and her children.
She did not exploit her past for fame or money. Instead, she chose a quiet, private life, proving that people can rebuild after trauma.
While John Wayne Gacy’s name will always be remembered for the wrong reasons, Marlynn Myers deserves to be recognized for choosing a different path—one of hope, healing, and a life free from his darkness.
Marlynn Myers remains a mystery, but her story is a powerful reminder that we are not defined by the people we once loved. Her decision to move forward and protect her family is what truly matters.
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(FAQs)
Did Marlynn Myers know about John Wayne Gacy’s crimes?
No, Marlynn had no idea about Gacy’s dark side when they were married. She believed he was a hardworking husband and father, but everything changed when he was arrested in 1968.
What happened to Marlynn Myers after divorcing John Wayne Gacy?
After their divorce in 1969, Marlynn completely cut ties with Gacy and lived a private life. She later remarried but kept her identity and location hidden from the public.
Where are Marlynn Myers’ children today?
Marlynn and Gacy had two children, Michael and Christine. After the divorce, she raised them alone, and they have remained completely out of the spotlight—many believe they changed their names to escape their father’s legacy.
Did Marlynn Myers ever speak publicly about John Wayne Gacy?
No, Marlynn never gave interviews, wrote books, or spoke about her marriage to Gacy. Unlike many people connected to famous criminals, she chose to disappear from public life entirely.
Could Marlynn Myers have stopped John Wayne Gacy?
It’s unlikely. Gacy didn’t commit his serial murders until years after their divorce. When she was with him, his crimes were hidden, and she had no reason to suspect he would become one of America’s most notorious serial killers.
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