Donald Ray Messer

Donald Ray Messer passed away on August 14, 2024, in New Orleans, LA. He was born June 10, 1954, in his beloved Natchez Mississippi. He was educated in Jackson public schools, graduated with honors from Millsaps College with degrees in English Literature and Music, obtained a MA in English from Mississippi State, and worked towards a PhD in Renaissance English at Tulane University in New Orleans in the early 1980’s.

Music was Don’s passion and connection to so many who will miss him. He was a maestro: teacher, conductor, composer, and performer. Early on, he played for his family, accompanied musicals at Jackson’s Little Theater, and loved being the drum major at Calloway HS. At Millsaps, he was a member of the Singers, the Troubadours, and led his fraternity in Songfest. He served many churches as an organist and choir master for over 50 years: these included Clinton UMC in the 1970’s; St. Andrews’ Episcopal, New Orleans in the 1980’s; St. Albans the Martyr, New York City in the 1990’s; and St. James’ Episcopal, Jackson from 2004 until he retired in 2019. He was honored to be the first male member of the Chaminade Music Club in Jackson. He always coached his professional and amateur colleagues to accomplish challenges they may have initially feared, but that he knew would make them grow.

As a graduate teaching assistant, Don taught English at both Tulane and UNO in New Orleans, and Medgar Evers College of SUNY. He was often voted as favorite instructor by his students. He challenged his students just as he did his professional and amateur colleagues in music.

Don also possessed an avid interest in history. He made the stories of Natchez families and houses come alive. He could tell you about every castle and cathedral in Europe. He could explain how political history, church history, and musical history all fit together. And finally, Don will also be remembered for his very large and warm heart. He always thought of others first, and delighted in anything he could do to make them smile. He paid special attention to those who might have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Barnard Carlton Messer (Bill) and Emma Juanita Bruce Messer (Nita) and true love, Peter Reed. He is survived by his sister, Nancy Messer Myers (Lee) of Cincinnati, his nephew David Daniel (Amber), and his cherished Claudia Champagne of New Orleans.

An evening prayer service in his honor will be held Tues, Sept 17, at St. Andrews’ Episcopal Church in New Orleans at 6:00. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept 21, at St. James’ Episcopal Church, Jackson at 11:00, with visitation proceeding in Fowler Hall at 10:00. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends consider making a donation in Don’s name to the music ministries at St. James or St. Andrews.

To share your fond thoughts, memories, and condolences with the family, please visit the online guestbook at lakelawnmetairie.com