George Thomas Messer

1944-2019

George Thomas Messer, 74, of Crab Orchard, passed away Sunday, February 10, at the Ephraim McDowell Regional Hospital in Danville. He was the husband of Diana (Smith) Messer whom he married on December 31, 1965. George was born in the community of St. Elmo in Fayette County, Illinois on August 11, 1944. He was a son of the late Levi M. and Marie Fern (Spangler) Messer. George had worked as a farmer and cattle hauler. He was a member of The Drakes Creek Baptist Church and the Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Diana Messer of Crab Orchard; daughter, Denise and husband Charles Young of Winchester; son, Greg T. Messer and wife Karen of Stanford; sister, Helen and husband Charles Spangler of Berea; brother, John Messer and wife Margaret of Charleston, Illinois; two grandsons, Darren and Thomas DeMarse; and special friend and caregiver, Hailey Yates.

Funeral service 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 14, 2019 at McKnight Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Lester Tirey officiating. Burial will follow in the Crab Orchard Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at McKnight Funeral Home.

Serving as pallbearers are Michael Rankin, Charles Young, Lyndon Peck, Richie Hawley, Robbie Mattingly and Tracy Renner. Honorary pallbearers are Steve Moore and the Adult Sunday School Class of Drakes Creek Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Gideons International Bible Fund.