"Sending my deepest sympathy to Bills family! My husband, Al Lumpkin served with him in the Marine Corps. They shared a lifetime friendship and a bond from the military! Al passed away in 2000 and would often talk about Bill and their adventures together! Sending love and prayers. Sincerely Karen ( Lumpkin) Kauffman "
In loving memory of
William J Messner
December 24, 1946 - January 18, 2024
William J. Messner, Sr. on January 18, 2024, of Erial, NJ formerly of Bellmawr, NJ. Age 77. Beloved husband of Joyce (nee Poulton). Devoted father of William, Jr. (Shannon Duffy), Theresa Fleming (Shawn) and the late Joyce. Adoring Pop Pop of Billy, III, Philip A., Scott F., Abigail N., Finnigan, Macklain and Ainsley. Dear brother of David Messner (Susan), Warren Messner, Jr. (Pamela), the late Irene Gedremenc and Philip Messner. Brother in law of Lee Gedremenc. William is survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
William proudly served in the Military for 22 years, 13 years in the US Marine Corps., and 9 years in the National Guard. He was a Gunnery Sargent and retired as 3rd Battalion in the 3rd Recon Division and a Vietnam Veteran and was awarded a Purple Heart. He enjoyed spending time outdoors and loved to camp, hunt and fish.
There will be a Viewing from 6pm-8pm Friday January 26, and from 10am to 11am on Saturday, January 27 at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE. Funeral Service to follow at the funeral home. Interment will be at New St. Mary's Cemetery, Bellmawr.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in William's name to the USO,https://www.uso.org/donate/donate-in-honor, Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516 Topeka, KS 66675-8516 www.woundedwarriorproject.org, or Toys for Tots Foundation Gift Processing Administrator 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA 22172 www.toysfortots.org or the Marine Corp Association https://my.mca-marines.org/donatenow