Donald Duane Messer

Don was the youngest of six children and deeply loved his siblings—Annalie, Peggy, Wanda, Eloise, and Danny. In 1943, the Messer family moved from Minnesota to Oceano, California, where Don’s lifelong love of hard work, family, and community began to take shape. He dedicated his entire life to California’s Central Coast.

Don was devoted to his entire family. He prioritized time with loved ones, especially in his later years, remaining closely connected with his children, grandchildren, and beloved sisters.

Don is survived by his wife, Linda Tarbell-Messer; his sister, Eloise Lanini; his children Keith (Debbie) Messer, Patty Messer-Perry, Brian (Julie) Messer, Mike Messer, Cassie Messer, Dawna Messer, and Jennifer (Randy) Harris; 19 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and a very large extended family of nieces and nephews.

In 1945, at just seven years old, Don accompanied his mother when she answered an ad to become a ranch cook for Fred Cavanagh, owner of The Buckhorn Ranch, in the Carrisa Plains. Don fell deeply in love with the ranch, the Cavanagh family, and the cowboy way of life. For many years, he spent every school break there, learning to ride, rope, and work hard. The cowboys nicknamed him “Pedro,” a name that stayed with him for life. Known for his fearless riding, strong work ethic, and constant whistling, Don often said these ranch years were the happiest of his life. He proudly shared Buckhorn stories with anyone who would listen.

Recently, while traveling with his daughter Patty to Carson City, Nevada, to visit Don and Sue (Cavanagh) McCune, Jan McManis, and Edwin Rude, Don enjoyed reminiscing about the good ol’ days on the Buckhorn with these important members of the Cavanagh family.

Don took great pride in his education. He skipped two grades in elementary school, was valedictorian of his eighth-grade class, graduated from Atascadero High School in 1955 at age 16, and earned a place on the honor roll at Cal Poly University. In high school, Don loved football, baseball, and marching band, and he remained a steadfast Greyhound fan throughout his life.

In 1957, Don married his high school sweetheart, Margaret “Peggy” Peterson, and together they raised six children. He continued working as a cowboy for $7 a day plus room and board through 1960, saving enough to buy his first home in Arroyo Grande. He later delivered milk and fire extinguishers before purchasing his first A&W restaurant in Pismo Beach in 1962. He eventually expanded to four more locations in Morro Bay and Santa Barbara.

In 1972, Don relocated his family back to Atascadero to focus on real estate development. Projects he was especially proud of include Plaza De Pueblo, Hotel Park, the Meadows Apartment Complex, multiple industrial parks, and more than 150 homes. Don cared deeply for his tenants and maintained lasting relationships with them. While working to develop these properties, Don created close bonds with partners and investors. A natural mentor, he helped shape many successful business leaders in San Luis Obispo County through his integrity, generosity, and strong work ethic. On weekends, Don could often be found building something for someone, working a hillside on a tractor, and whistling or singing as he worked.

In 1985, Don met and later married his second wife, Linda Tarbell, and welcomed her daughter Jennifer, whom he loved and raised as his own. Linda was the owner of the Atascadero School of Gymnastics. Together, they built enormous floats for the Atascadero Colony Days Parade for ten consecutive years and were honored one year as King and Queen. They opened Tarbell-Messer Real Estate and enjoyed memorable travels with close friends Gene and Susan White.

Don and Linda’s home became the heart of the Messer family, hosting countless celebrations—including the infamous Turkey Day Spoons Tournament. A constant supporter, Don could always be found in the stands cheering on his children and grandchildren at sporting events and performances. He was immensely proud of their talents and made sure they knew it—right up until the very end.

Don loved being part of a large extended family. Gathering together was a treasured Messer family tradition. He especially cherished times when siblings, nieces, nephews, and their families came together to share life, play cards (especially cribbage) and horseshoes on Messer Mountain. Don proudly collected many hats and plaques from these friendly competitions. He especially loved to sing along with brother-in-law Roland on his accordion and sister Eloise on her piano.

Don did not have hobbies in the traditional sense—he loved to work and spend time with family and friends. He will be remembered for his whistling, singing, guitar playing, barbecuing, storytelling, and his unwavering devotion to family. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the family he loved so deeply.

Raise your hand if:

Don cheered you on at a local sporting event

You bought a house from Don

Don gave you unsolicited advice

You heard one of Don’s stories - “For the 5th time!”

Don proudly bragged about his family to you

You heard whistling and knew Don was nearby

Celebration of Life for Don Messer When: Saturday, March 7, 2026 Time: 2:00 PM Where: Atascadero Elks Lodge 1516 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA

In Don’s memory, the family asks that you support local Atascadero businesses in lieu of flowers.