erintendent of the Exhibitors Campground for 20 years. He also helped maintain pioneer cemeteries in Pleasant Grove Township. Mr. Messer loved fishing in Canada, mushroom hunting, playing cards, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Mr. Messer is survived by his wife of Yarmouth; six sons, Charles (Linda) Messer of Danville, Mark (Kathy) Messer of New London, Brian (Diane) Messer of Burlington, James (Janet) Messer of Henderson, KY, Tom (Diana) Messer of Eldridge, IA, and Dan (Crissi) Messer of New London; fourteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Karl (Patti) Messer and Melvin (Barbara) Messer, both of Mt. Pleasant; and one sister Joanne Stahley of Lincoln, NE. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Gilbert Messer, and three sisters, Lena in infancy, Pauline Ingwersen, and Vera Ensz. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, March 5, 2015 at Elliott Chapel, New London. Rev. James Messer, and Pastors Carl Vass, and Steve Parker will officiate. Burial will be in Shinar Cumberland Presbyterian Cemetery in Pleasant Grove with Military Rites presented by the Henry County Honor Guard. Visitation will begin after noon on Wednesday, March 4 at the Chapel, with the family greeting friends from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Memorials have been established to the Des Moines County 4-H Foundation and Danville United Church of Christ.