Richard Anthony "Dick" Mesi

MESI Richard "Dick" Anthony Mesi. Dick answered the call of our Lord to enter into His eternal presence on May 28, 2008, at his home in Killeen, Tex., with his beloved wife and best friend, Janis, and his beloved parents, Anthony P. and Rebecca L. Mesi, at his side. He was born on January 30, 1947, in Columbus, Oh. He and Janis were married November 29, 1969, at Ft. Hancock, N.J. They took their vows again on February 14, 2007, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Killeen. Dick first served in the Ohio Army National Guard, then went on to active duty status in the US Army. He retired in 1987 as a CW03. Although proud of the numerous awards and medals he earned during his career as a proud soldier, he was most proud of one earned as a civilian. As an employee of Raytheon, he continued to further serve our great country as a civilian. While with Raytheon he served in the First Gulf War, working side-by-side with our brave soldiers in Tel Aviv, Israel, on the infamous Patriot Missile System. For this service he earned the highest award given to civilians by our great country, of which all of us were very proud. He continued to serve our country with Raytheon until his retirement in 2004. In addition to his wife and parents, Dick is survived by a daughter (daddy's little girl), Michelle L. and her husband, Darren A. Block of Florence, Tex.; and his beloved son, Timothy M. and his wife, Kristi Mesi of Austin, Tex. We will never forget the love you shared or the experience you brought us. You will be missed daddy! Also left behind are 8 of the most beautiful and adored grandchildren in the world. Dick spent every chance he could on computer games with two of his grandsons, Richard and Justin of Florence. During his last few days two of his other grandsons, Anthony and Aaron of San Antonio, Tex., sat by his side playing guitar, singing and reading to him. The 4 youngest grandchildren, toddler twins, Rebecca and Jordan of Florence (don't worry Pa-Pa, mommy promises we will always know you!), toddler Robert and baby Timothy Jr. (little Timmy) of Austin, Tex. may not have personal memories of their grandpa, but his memory and his great love for them will be kept alive for them to cherish in later years. Dick is also survived by his beloved Uncle Angelo and Aunt Marge Mesi of Prospect, Oh.; 2 sisters-in-law and their husbands; 2 brothers-in-law and their wives; 9 nieces and nephews; numerous cousins and friends. A funeral Mass is scheduled for Monday, June 2, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Killeen with Fr. Adam Martinez officiating. Interment follows at 1 p.m. at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SouthernCare, Inc., Hospice, Corporate Office, 3536 Vann Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35235, or charity of choice. Until we meet again in heaven, you will not be forgotten and our love for you is eternal. Sign the online guestbook at www.dispatch.com/obituaries