Richard Brent Messick

A Marine, a father, a hero, and a man of great heart.

Richard Brent Messick, 79, of Hooper, Utah, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Brent was born on May 3, 1946, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Donald and Virginia Messick. The oldest of four children, he lived a life defined by courage, service, family, and a deep love for the outdoors.

A proud graduate of Weber High School, Brent later attended Stevens-Henager College and Weber State University. On January 17, 1968, he married the love of his life, Susan Diane Messick. Together, they built a life full of devotion, adventure, constant teasing, and enduring love.

Brent enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on October 26, 1965, serving in the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines — a unit famously known as “The Walking Dead.” While in Vietnam near Da Nang, Brent was wounded in combat, sustaining a gunshot wound to the abdomen and fragmentation injuries to his right arm and hand. He was awarded three Purple Hearts for his bravery and sacrifice. His legacy of service continued through his son, Justin (U.S. Air Force), and grandsons Michael (U.S. Air Force) and Chaz (U.S. Army), who were inspired by his example.

After returning home, Brent dedicated 35 years to civil service at Hill Air Force Base, retiring in 2006. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who found his greatest joy outdoors — whether it was hunting, fishing, camping, hiking for shed antlers with his children and grandchildren, or traveling to Alaska with military friends and family.

Brent also had a special bond with his cat, Shabooboo. He enjoyed trips to Wendover with Susan and attending concerts, especially those of her favorite performer, Joe Nichols.

Brent is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Susan Messick, and their three children:

• Justin Brent Messick (Paula) of West Haven

• Jason Donald Messick (Vickie) of Hooper

• Michelle Diane Drysdale (Clint) of Clearfield

He was a proud grandfather to Brandy, Dylan, Chaz (Karen), Tiffany (Ben), Michael, Ally (Corbin), Sarah (Jarret), and Cody; and a great-grandfather to Jace, Collins, and Lainey.

He is also survived by his sisters:

• Carol (Doug) Drake of Island Park

• Lorraine Woolsey of West Point

• Donna (Ben) King of Fernley, Nevada

In his final years, Brent fought a relentless battle with cancer. Throughout that time, he was lovingly cared for by his devoted wife and family. A Marine to the very end, Brent faced his illness with the same grit, humility, and resilience that defined his life.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Tyler Sloan of Cutting Edge Lawn for being a loyal friend and for caring so well for Brent’s cherished yard.

Brent Messick will be remembered as a man of strength, loyalty, and quiet heroism — not only for his military service, but for the legacy he leaves behind in his family and the many lives he touched.

Semper Fi, Marine

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary, 3333 W. 5600 S. Friends may visit with family on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary. Interment, Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.

Services will be livestreamed and available the day of services by scrolling to the bottom of Brent's obituary page.

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