Gerald Lee Messer, 74, of Rising Sun, IN, passed away Sunday, August 6, 2023, at 10:35 AM at his residence. Gerald was born in Madison, IN on September 2, 1948, a son of the late Naomi (Blackburn) and Blaine Messer. Gerald attended school at Cass Union and was a graduate of the Rising Sun High School Class of 1966. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy. On May 10, 1969, he was married to Joyce (Lawson). They were married for over 54 years until his passing. Gerald was employed as a production supervisor for I & M for over 40 years until his retirement. Gerald served as Ohio County Democrats Chair, on the Cass Township Advisory Board, Rising Sun Lions Club, Rising Sun Masonic Lodge, and as an Ohio County 4-H group leader.
Gerald is survived by his wife Joyce Messer of Rising Sun, IN; sons Brian Messer of Rising Sun, IN, Ryan Messer (James) of Zurich, Switzerland, Donald Messer (Sharon) of East Enterprise, IN, and Billy Steelman (Deanna) of Rising Sun, IN; brothers Rick Messer of Jensen, UT and Rodney Messer of Rising Sun, IN; sister Fern Browning of Cincinnati, OH; grandchildren Traci (Joe), Kayla (Jeremy), Cody (Jasmine), Blaine, Nicholas, Ben, Caleb, Anderson, Olivier, Lillian, Rocco; and great-grandchildren Makenzie Walston, Landon Walston, Shawn Lack, and Kyzer Lack. In addition to his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by his sister Melba Henson.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 11th, 11 AM – 2 PM at the Markland Funeral Home. The funeral will be Friday, August 11th at 2 PM at the Markland Funeral Home with burial to follow at Rising Sun New Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or Ohio County Rescue Unit.