Richard M "Shorty" Messer

Richard Maurice (Shorty) Messer, 85, of Cambridge City passed away on Friday, January 10, 2020 at his residence surrounded by his family.

He was born on November 30, 1934 in New Castle, IN to John B and Elva (Mason) Messer and had lived all his life in the Wayne County area.

He had worked for 30 years at Dana Perfect Circle in Hagerstown and also owned and operated Messer and Sons Construction for over 30 years. He was a member and Past Worshipful Master of Hagerstown #49 F & AM and a member of the Knights of Pythias Crescens Lodge #33 New Castle and was Past Grand Chancellor. He had enjoyed bowling for over 50 years and the “Shorty Messer Good Sportsmanship Award in given by the Rose Bowl alleys in New Castle, IN. Shorty loved and enjoyed spending time with his family, especially the annual family reunion. He loved Christmas and each year would put up over 40,000 lights.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Beverly Messer; sons Jeff A. (Linda) Messer, James A. (Jenny) Messer; daughter Julie A (Cole) Williams; sisters Marlene Bath, Margery Weiser and Maxine Manifold; 9 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by siblings, Melvin Messer, Marilyn Burgess and Melva Davis.

Memorial services will be held at 5:00 pm on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Waskom Capitol Hill Chapel in Cambridge City. Friends may gather starting at 3:00 pm and there will be Masonic and Knights of Pythias services starting at 4:30 pm.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard M "Shorty" Messer, please visit our floral store.