Although it was love at first sight for Marlynn Myers and John Wayne Gacy, his crimes not only shocked the world but led to the demise of his first marriage.
Marlynn Myers was working in a store when her path crossed with the man who would become her future husband, John Wayne Gacy. At the time, she had no idea of the heinous crimes her husband would commit.
The couple welcomed two children together, and although life was once upon a time "perfect," Marlynn Myers' life was turned upside down when her husband's skeletons were brought to light.
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John Wayne Gacy circa 1978 | Source: Getty Images
Marlynn Myers' Husband Said It Was 'Kinda Like' Love at First Sight
In the early 1960s, Marlynn's ex-husband landed his first job at the Nunn Bush Shoe Company. In 1963, he was promoted to store manager and began traveling for the business. His travels included relocating to Springfield, Illinois, where he and Marlynn met.
"It was kinda like love at first sight," Marlynn's ex-husband revealed of his relationship with Marlynn, who was working at the Robinsons store then. Not only was it love at first sight for the former couple, but they later said "I do" in September of the same year they met.
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John Wayne Gacy photographed in a car on December 23, 1978. | Source: Getty Images
Marlynn Myers' Father Was Not Fond of His Daughter's Husband
After typing the knot, Marlynn —who came from a prosperous family in Waterloo, Iowa — and her husband relocated to her hometown. Her father owned a chain of KFC restaurants and left John in charge of the three in Waterloo.
She had "problems believing" John was homosexual.
However, Marlynn's father was not exactly his son-in-law's biggest fan. In his opinion, John didn't come from "good breeding stock," but he at least doted on Marlynn and wanted her to be happy.
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John Wayne Gacy's mugshots taken at the Des Plaines Police Department on December 21, 1978. | Source: Getty Images
Marlynn Myers Divorced John Wayne Gacy Following His Ten-Year Prison Sentence
During the course of their marriage, Marlynn and her husband welcomed their daughter, Christie Gacy, followed by their son, Michael, in 1966. According to reports, Marlynn's ex-husband called that period of his life as a happy family man "perfect."
However, that all came crumbling down in 1968. Marlynn's ex-husband was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison at the state reformatory at Anamosa after two boys accused him of heinous crimes, and came under FBI investigation.
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John Wayne Gacy circa 1978. | Source: Getty Images
While her ex-husband was in reformatory, on September 18, 1969, Marlynn filed for divorce and was granted one "on the ground of cruel and inhuman treatment." Marlynn stated:
"I just couldn't believe it. I never had any fear of him. [...] I was never afraid of him. "
Marlynn was also awarded full custody of Christie and Michael and went by a different name after marrying. Nearly a decade had passed before Marlynn agreed to do an interview about her past with her ex-husband, with the agreement that her new name was not revealed.
Marlynn shared that she was shocked to hear about the murders her former husband later committed and revealed she had "problems believing" John was homosexual. According to Marlynn, her ex-husband was never violent with her and was a good father.
After being convicted of ending the lives of 33 young men in 1980, he became known as one of the most notorious serial killers to date.
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