Wagner Richard Messer was born on October 26, 1936, to Howard and Irene (Nicely) Messer in Grayson, Kentucky. Wagner passed away on February 1, 2025, from congestive heart failure in Texas County Memorial Hospital, at the age of 88.
At the age of 18, Wagner enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1954 through 1957. After leaving the service, he worked as a meat cutter in several states and was a member of the Meatcutters Union from 1959 through 2001, when he retired.
In 1980, while living in Phoenix, Arizona, he met Joy Lynn (Stinson) and they married on December 24, 1982. They moved to Queen Creek, Arizona, and had a small hobby farm raising goats, a few cattle, poultry, and horses. He enjoyed golfing and metal detecting with friends and was a volunteer with the Arizona Rangers.
In 2004 Wagner and his wife found their forever home south of Mountain Grove, in what used to be Ann, Missouri. He enjoyed the beauty of the land and with new friends and continued his passion for golf.
Wagner was from a large family and was preceded in death by both his parents and siblings: Howard Messer Jr, Evangeline Carman, Agnes Winters, Mary Loretta Jenkins, Elenore Messer, and Ester Robin Culp
Wagner is survived by his loving wife Joy, of the home, and by his brothers: Walter and Albert Messer, and sisters: Anita Jane Rouse and Candice Gire.
Cremation is under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers or a donation, the Messer family would like to encourage you to make the loving decision to make a Living Will and Medical Directive that will give your loved ones peace of mind when death affects your family.
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