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Richard Messer Obituary
May 17, 1948 - April 12, 2011
Dick Messer of Corvallis joined his Lord and Savior on Tuesday evening, April 12, after a valiant dance with death wrapped in the ugly cloak of melanoma.
Dick was a quiet man of deep faith and careful thought. His journey through life was punctuated by his love of country roads and the places they took him, and music that filled his heart as he went.
Dick will be mourned by his family: wife of 37 years, LaVaun; sons Jacob and Trevor; daughter by marriage, Camilla; and three joyful grandchildren, Ellie, Cody and Tanner. His parents, Paul and Igerna, survive him, as well as sister Karen McDonnell and brother Stan. Niece and nephews, in-laws and a wide circle of friends complete his faithful family.
Dick was born May 17, 1948, in Billings, Mont. He graduated from Billings West High School and served in the U.S. Navy before becoming an apprentice journeyman and master plumber. He was a fine craftsman and worked a variety of situations, including owning his own shop, working at Hewlett-Packard Co., and his favorite, contributing to the building of large projects and buildings.
Dick was active in his church; besides worship, he had been a trustee and served on stewardship and education boards.
We will miss his enigmatic smile, his strong love of family and friends, and his work as a fixer of all things broken.
A celebration of Dick's life and faith will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 16, at Zion Lutheran Church, 2745 N.W. Harrison Blvd., Corvallis. Memorial donations in his name can be made to Zion Lutheran School or Benton Hospice Service in care of McHenry Funeral Home.
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