Marion "Jay" Messenger Jr.

Marion "Jay" Messenger, Jr passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025, in Lexington, Kentucky, due to complications from cancer at the age of 79.
Jay was born on November 11, 1945, in Tonkawa, Oklahoma. Upon graduation from high school in Charleston, South Carolina, Jay attended the University of Oklahoma, graduating in 1967, and joined the USAF as a helicopter pilot. He served one tour during the Vietnam War where he was awarded numerous decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart. Jay continued his Air Force career by serving in various critical leadership positions, such as the Commander of the First Helicopter Squadron located at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, the Wing Deputy Commander of Operations for the 89th Airlift Wing, and the DOD at the Pentagon. Upon retirement as a Colonel in the Air Force after 25 years, Jay continued his passion for flying by serving as a Captain for Atlas Air until the mandatory commercial pilot retirement age of 65.
Up until his health condition worsened, Jay volunteered his many skills regularly with Habitat for Humanity to assist with building several homes in Lexington.
Jay's sense of humor, ability to fix anything around the house, willingness to help anyone in need, passion for farming and riding horses, and overall dedication to his children and grandchildren will be sorely missed.
Jay is survived by his children, Kelly, Matthew, Isabella, and Evan; daughter-in-law, Angela; and his grandchildren, Nicholas and Tyler. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Velda Messenger.
Care Cremation and Funeral Service is honored to be entrusted with final care.