Lavern Edward Messer, 64, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Monday (November 19, 2012) at Lakeview Health Care & Rehabilitation Center in Boonville, Missouri.

The son of Noel Lavern and Anna Mae (Black) Messer, he was born March 21, 1948 in Fairfield, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Marylee Schaffer and on December 13, 1987 he married Thelma Cox.

Ed is survived by his wife Thelma of Kirksville, MO; one son, Steven Messer of Bloomfield, IA; two daughters, Shirley Turner and Sherry Messer both of Bloomfield, IA; two step–daughters, Lisa Elder of Greentop, MO and Lori Cox of Kirksville, MO; three brothers, David Messer of Marshalltown, IA, James Messer and Larry Joe Messer and wife Sandy all of Fairfield, IA; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Carol and Tom Lewis and Mary and Rod Smith all of Fairfield, IA; one brother-in-law, Roger Haynes of Fairfield, IA; eleven grandchildren, Kendra Montgomery of New Franklin, MO, who took care and watched over Ed while he was in the nursing home, Angel Montgomery, Jamie Elder, Virkita Elder, Felicia Cox, Shawna Cox, Makayla Cox, Douglas Turner, Tatum Turner, Stacey Flower and Ryan Flower; eight great-grandchildren and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Carl and John Messer and one sister, Bonnie Haynes.

Ed received his education in the Fairfield, Iowa, public schools. He worked for Dexter Factory, Anderson Junk, Bragg Recycling and last several years for Sunbrite Laundry in Kirksville. He loved his job at Sunbrite and when asked when he was going to retire, would say when Steve wouldn’t let him work no more.

Ed enjoyed fishing, classic cars and Elvis Presley. Most of all Ed loved and enjoyed being with his grandchildren.

Public visitation will be held Friday (November 23, 2012) from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Graveside service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday (November 24, 2012) at the White Oak Cemetery in Rome, Iowa, under the direction of Travis-Noe Funeral Home.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Ed Messer Memorial Fund. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.