Earl Dean Messer, 82, of Council Grove, died October 28, 2021.
Born January 21, 1939 in Galena, Earl was the son of James and Leatha Messer. He graduated from Riverton High School with the class of 1957. Earl was married to Shirley Jean Stone of Columbus, July 26, 1958. They were married 63 years and had three children, Tammy, James, and Tracy.
Earl and Shirley lived in Columbus for a time. He learned to be a brick mason from his father-in-law, Jack Stone and was also a postman. Later, Earl worked in the oil and gas field in Donaldsonville, LA. He moved his family to Moscow, Kansas In 1974 and worked there as a meterman and Field Supervisor for Mobil Oil. Earl and Shirley retired to Council Grove, in 2001
Earl’s hobbies included fishing, birdwatching and woodworking. He especially loved spending time with his kids, grandkids and his great grands. Earl served in the Army as an MP. He was also a volunteer fire fighter in Moscow.
Earl is survived by his wife, Shirley Messer; daughters Tammy LeNeve (Johnny Johnson), Tracy Koop (husband Tim) and son, Jim Messer, (wife Corky) and sister, Wilma Douffet of Galena. Seven grandchildren, Gage LeNeve; Amber and A.J. Brechbuhler; Tanner and Andrea Messer; Tasha and Ben Green; Jared, Jayson and Gia Koop; along with nine great grands, Shelby, Aubrey and Chance Brechbuhle, Calvin, Colton and Lyla Messer, Ava, Bodhi, and Mila Green also survive.
Earl was preceded in death by his parents, James and Leatha Messer; sisters, Ada Carlisle and Birdie Messer; brothers, Art, Joe, CaIvin and Duke Smittle; Bill and Jerry Messer; and Joe Douffet; his in-laws Jack and Nadine Stone.
Memorial service will be held November 12, at 2 p.m.. at St. Rose of Lima Parish Center, 300 Spencer St., in Council Grove.
The family suggests donations in Earl’s name may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation to end Parkinson’s Disease. Condolences may be left at www.sawyerchapel.com.