Don Jerry Messick passed away on January 1, 2021 at St Jude Hospital in Fullerton, CA at the age of 84. Don is the youngest child of Nilar Pearl Kirkpatrick and Roy Edward Messick. Don is now reunited with his beloved wife of 62 years, Janice Narie Legg Messick, who passed away in 2017. Don is survived by his 5 children: Mark, Kenneth, Dane, Michael and Christy, 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Don graduated from Bell Gardens, CA High School in 1953. There he excelled in sports especially basketball and track. Don set the school pole vault record at 11' 6" which stood for 20 years. He also scored 29 points in a varsity basketball game which also stood as a school record for several years. Don met Janice in high school. They were married on June 24, 1955. Don cherished Janice all the days of their lives.
In 1961 Don joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and was devoted to his faith.
In the early 1980's, Don served as the Bishop of his Ward. In 1964 Don and his childhood friend, Gary Smith, founded Highlander Publications, which under Don's leadership quickly grew into a very successful weekly newspaper. In 1982 Don stepped down as President of the Highlander.
After a very short retirement, Don with his 4 sons as partners formed Handbill Printers. Under Don's guidance Handbill grew to be a successful commercial printing company. Don continued to work there until his passing.
Don was a generous and charitable person. He touched many lives and was much loved and respected. What Don cherished and valued most in life was his family. We will greatly miss our father, grandfather and great-grandfather, a true and loving patriarch of our family. We love you! Until we meet again....
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