Daniel H. "Dan" Messmore

Daniel "Dan" Messmore, age 52, passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center.
Dan was born on January 14, 1972, in Peoria, a son of William "Joe" and Gloria (Mehl) Messmore. He married the love of his life, Kelly Oliver, on April 5, 2003 in Peoria.
Dan is also survived by his father, Joe (Sheila) Messmore of Peoria, one brother, Joe (Jamie) Messmore of Peoria, several aunts, uncles, cousins, two nieces Scarlett and Audrey Messmore and one brother-in-law, John Oliver of Georgetown, IL, as well as his beloved 5 little chihuahuas, Czar, Pixie, Moxie, Sprite and Lola. He was preceded in death by his mother, Gloria.
Dan was a loving man and husband. He was reflective and passionate about his Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ and spoke about his faith daily. He loved his wife, Kelly, fiercely and was a faithful and devoted, hard-working husband who did all things big and small to make a wonderful, comfortable home. He loved working outside in the yard and building things (or over-building as he was often teased) with his hands. More than that, he loved researching all the how-to and specifications of just about every action before he decided to take on a project or even make a purchase. He loved the car business and anything pertaining to the auto industry as evidenced by his years of employment with Honda World, Saturn of Peoria, Scherer Automotive and Auto Lane. His recent occupation was as the proud owner of the MarketGuide Magazine Peoria, which he purchased from his father and then created a complimentary publication in Tazewell County. He was passionate about saving money and loved giving others the opportunity to do so through his advertisers and their discount offers.
Dan loved to go on cruise vacations with his wife, Kelly, but he did not love to pack which he left to her. He was always surprised by what he pulled out of a suitcase once on a ship. He enjoyed the experiences brought by the many cruises taken from Alaska to the Mediterranean and in recent years didn't even care where the ship stopped, as long as the ship had comedy and specialty dining to offer.
Dan loved his family and his friends. He loved hosting cookouts for them and he adored the Fourth of July and all things fireworks! He put together amazing Fourth of July shows that rivaled the professional events and was proudly never ticketed or fined for any of them.
He loved animals, especially dogs, and would often stop everything to pet the nearest dog to him. He specifically loved his own "fleet of Chihuahuas," especially when everyone was snuggled under a blanket in the family basement watching a movie.
Dan was a kind and wonderful man who would do anything in his power to help a friend, neighbor or loved one. All those who knew and loved him were blessed to have done so.
Visitation will be from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Monday, May 13, 2024 at Wright & Salmon Mortuary. Further visitation hours will be from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 14, 2023, also at the Mortuary. Memorial Services will follow at 11:00 AM. Reverend Stephen Barch will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Please make donations out to Kelly Messmore.
Friends and family may view full obituary and sign the online guestbook by logging onto www.wrightandsalmon.com