Clyde J. Messenger

Clyde Joseph Messenger, Jr, 84, passed away on September 12th, peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was a devoted husband of 63 years and the father of 9 children. Clyde will always be remembered for the joy and happiness that he provided to so many people with the countless hours he devoted in creating the Messenger’s Christmas Land in 1964, a family tradition which has grown and still continues to this day.Clyde was a 1947 graduate of Warren Easton High School in New Orleans. He retired in 1986 after 38 years of service with International Harvester. Clyde was also an active football official for over 35 years covering both high school and college levels. He served in the U.S. Navy for 4 years.A devoted Man of Manresa, Clyde attended for 35 consecutive years starting in 1976. He also volunteered for St. Vincent de Paul and Meals on Wheels. Clyde was a founding member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church and then later at St. Louis King of France Catholic Church. He was preceded in death by his father, Clyde Messenger, Sr. and mother Lillian Schackai Messenger. Survivors include his beloved wife of 63 years, Josie, and their 9 children: Clyde Messenger III and wife Karen, Bobby Messenger and wife Cindy, Terry Messenger and wife Tara, Larry Messenger and wife Donita, Donnie Messenger, Billy Messenger and wife Melinda, Timmy Messenger and wife Gloria, Cindy Messenger Palombo and husband Jude, and Danny Messenger. He is also survived by 43 grandchildren: Tracie, Amy, Paul, Eric, Joey, John, Jeremy, Joseph, Courtney, Gerard, Blake, Catherine, Natalie, Michelle, Jenny, Bobby, Taylor, Tammy, Christy, Caitlin, Adrian, Michaila, Nathan, Christopher, Lillian, Michael, Stephen, Philip, Mandy, Billy, John, Matt, Rossi, Josh, Kimberly, Tim, Dylan, Myles, Hampton, Gracie, Sophie, Andrew and Patrick, and also 28 great-grandchildren: Hunter, Haley, Logan, Suede, Kaci, Emily, Madison, Mary, Michael, Cassie, Blaze, Paisley, Grace, Jacob, Isabelle, Ava, Kelly, Sam, Heaven, Hunter, Ireland, McKenna, Miley, Joshua, Christian, Abigail, Grace, Mary Kate. Visiting will be at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 14th, and again on Thursday, from 8 a.m, to 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian burial con-celebrated by Rev. Jack Nutter and Rev. Jeff Bayhi at St. Louis King of France Catholic Church, 2121 N. Sherwood Forest Blvd at 10 a.m. Burial will be at Greenoaks Memorial Park.Pallbearers will be the eldest sons of each of the nine children: Joey, Bobby, Taylor, Nathan, Christopher, Billy, Rossi, Dylan and Andrew.We want to mention our appreciation to Carol Barker and David Mosher, the two caregivers who took loving care of Clyde. Additionally, we want to mention the wonderful job that Clarity Hospice did for both Clyde and all of his family. In Lieu of flowers, donation to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 1647 Convention Street, Baton Rouge, LA would be appreciated.