Curtis O. "Curt" Messer

      SSG(R) Curtis O. “Curt” Messer, 93, of Hinton received orders to report to heaven by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at Raleigh General Hospital following complications of a motor vehicle accident.

     Born January 31, 1931 in Wyandotte, MI he was the son of the late Oscar and Florence Labelle Messer. 

      Curt was a son, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, visionary, artist, photographer, businessman, encourager, inspiration, soldier and a Christian. Along with his wife, Millie they owned and operated Messer’s Photography Studio in downtown Hinton for 34 years. They also hosted Coffee Call on WMTD radio.

You could always find Curt and his photographs at Kirks where he was an unofficial ambassador for Summers County. 

      He proudly served his country for 28 years in the United States Army along with the WV National Guard during the Korean Conflict.

      During the 70’s and 80’s he could be found entertaining his community as a clown on his unicycle during parades, conducting bicycle safety classes and races for the youth of Summers County.  

      Curt was awarded the Hinton Hopeful Making a Difference Award in July 2018 by the Hinton Hope Foundation. He faithfully attended Central Baptist Church for many years where he enjoyed taking pictures at all the church activities. A lot more could be said about Curt but we will close with this… He was an incredible soul and beloved veteran who always had a smile on his face, a camera in his hand and a story to share.

      Besides his parents, Curt was preceded in death by his wife, Millie Messer; daughter, Mary Robin Smith; great granddaughter, Keyley Faith Mounts; three siblings, Jerry, Linda and Judy and his special lady friend, Hope Larson.

      Those left to cherish their sweet memories are five children, Greg Messer, Mark Messer, Suzie Morris, Kim Mounts and husband Greg and their children, Adam and Megan and Bruce Messer; numerous grandchildren; great grandchildren; nieces; nephews and friends.

      Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Monday, June 3, 2024 at Central Baptist Church with Pastor Robbie Merritt officiating. Burial will follow in the Restwood Memorial Gardens near Hinton with Military Honors. Friends may call from 6:00 -8:00 P.M. Sunday, June 2, 2024 at the Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors.

      Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.