Willburn O. "Buddy" Messer

Wilburn O. "Buddy" Messer, 72, passed away Friday, Aug. 9, 2013 at his home in Crawfordville, with family members at his side.

The youngest of six children, Buddy was born in Tallahassee on Aug. 28, 1940, to the late Oliver M. Messer Sr., and Odie R. Messer. He graduated from Leon High School in 1958, and was a member of the Leon High School football team. He retired after 35 years of service with the City of Tallahassee. Buddy and his three brothers comprised the legendary "Messer Brothers Band" and performed throughout North Florida for over 50 years. He was a member of Robert Butler Masonic Lodge No. 305.

Buddy is survived by his daughters, Donna McMahan and Lisa Scarborough (R.J.); grandchildren, Michael, Eric, Jessica, Dana, Amy and Ryan; and seven great-grandchildren; his brothers, Charles M. Messer (Wanda) and Paul R. Messer (Martha); a sister-in-law, Betty J. Messer; brother-in-law, Mahlon McNiel.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Katherine Leonard Messer; a son-in-law, Paul McMahan; a brother, Oliver Morris Messer Jr.; and sisters, Helen Benefield and Dorothy Faye McNiel.

Visitation was held at Beggs Funeral Home, 3322 Apalachee Parkway, on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2013 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Services were held at Beggs on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2013 at 10:30 am. with interment following at Roselawn Cemetery. Those who wish may make contributions to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee FL. 32308.