Long-time Paducah philanthropist Louis Myre died yesterday morning leaving behind a legacy of robust faith-based and arts organizations.
Market House Theater Director Michael Cochran said the Carson Myre Charitable Foundation that Myre and his wife Jane Carson Myre established has allowed the theater to expand its children’s programming. Cochran said the operational funding from the foundation is a rare find for groups like his.
“You know, when you’re paying the gas bulls and you’re paying salaries and you’re paying all these things to keep the doors open, you’re always stretched tight,” Cochran said. “Every penny is used three or four times. And the Carson Myre Foundation money has allowed us to dream a little bit.”
Myre’s foundation also supports local music recording and production on WKMS and the Paducah Symphony Orchestra. PSO Director Daniel Sene said the Carson-Myre Foundation has also allowed his group to expand programming.
“Since Raffaele (Ponti) started here for years ago, he’s been able to grow into the position as artistic director because of the generosity of the foundation in particular,” Sene said. “They don’t put huge strains on that and they allow him a lot of artistic freedom...and that’s why the symphony has been able to do the things it’s been able to do in the last three, four years in particular.”
Myre practiced internal medicine in Paducah for 30 years. His wife preceded him in death in 2010 but their foundation continues under the leadership of Judge J. William Howerton, Jane Myre’s cousin.
