Hugh Frederick Messner

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Hugh Frederick Messner on July 26, 2025, at the age of 84. A 35-year resident of Marco Island, Florida, Hugh passed peacefully, surrounded by family.

Hugh is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; his son, Kenneth Messner; his brother, Robert Blair Messner, and sister-in-law, Grace; his stepdaughter and son-in-law, Katherine and Jason Chachere; and his granddaughters, Karley, Lea, and Kate.

Born in Butte, Montana, on July 23, 1941, Hugh was the son of Robert T. Messner and Bernice Hande. Growing up in a military family, he lived in various locations, including Hawaii, Japan, Texas, and Delaware. He graduated from Caesar Rodney High School in Dover, DE, and then attended Wesley College and graduated from Frederick College in Portsmouth, VA.

In 1963, Hugh began U.S. Navy flight training at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida. He earned his Wings of Gold in 1965, marking the start of an exceptional career as a Naval Aviator. He served with distinction in a variety of assignments in various locations, including Vietnam, Hawaii, Washington, DC, Norfolk, VA, Dallas, TX, and New Orleans, LA. His leadership and dedication culminated in his promotion to Captain in 1984. In 1986, he assumed command of the Fleet Logistics Support Wing, overseeing 15 squadrons and more than 3,100 personnel across the United States.

Captain Messner’s honors include two Meritorious Service Medals, two Navy Commendation Medals, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.

After retiring from the Navy in 1988 following 25 years of service, Hugh transitioned to a second career as a commercial airline pilot with Pan Am and later Delta Air Lines, retiring in 2001.

Family was always at the heart of Hugh’s life. For 15 years, he and Barbara split their time between Lake Gaston, North Carolina, and Marco Island, Florida, cherishing time spent with loved ones—especially their granddaughters. He enjoyed reconnecting with old friends during VR-21 Squadron reunions and kept close ties with his lifelong Navy comrades. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 404 on Marco Island. In his retirement, he and Barbara made the most of their time, traveling the world together.

Hugh’s legacy of service, devotion, and love for family and friends will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.

Captain Messner will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, at a date to be determined.

Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation in Pensacola, Florida.