Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
L.C. Messer, age 93, died surrounded by his daughters and son in law in San Angelo, Texas on Saturday, January 15, 2022, just after 3:00pm.
L.C. was born in Antlers, Oklahoma to Ernest and Bessie Messer on June 10, 1928. The first years of his life were spent in Antlers, Oklahoma. His father was a farmer and his first home was humble. At the age of 22, L.C. met a beautiful young woman named Jackie Bell. L.C. saw her washing dishes from a distance. He thought he would like to meet this beautiful young woman.
L.C. was married to Jackie on January 9th 1950 in Pushmataha County Courthouse in Oklahoma. After they were married he returned to San Angelo, Texas with his new bride. Just 9 months and 4 days later, October 13, 1950, L.C.’s bride, Jackie, gave birth to their first child and only son, Terry Steven Messer. Three short years later she gave birth to Carol Beth, followed by Kathy Elaine, and then Donna Lanell. At the time of his passing there were a total of 56 members of his family that were directly linked to L.C. and his wife. Each of them knew and felt what it meant to be loved by L.C. and each held him in great reverence.
L.C. served in the Army and then Air Force from 1945 to 1948. He then owned and operated two grocery stores in San Angelo. In the late 1970’s L.C. sold his grocery stores and continued his career as a butcher at Abbots Super Market and Goodfellow Commissary.
Above all else, L.C. loved and served the Lord. He served him in everything he did from the time he was saved in 1950 until the time of his passing. At the age of 22 he became a youth minister at Bethel Temple in San Angelo, TX. L.C. also preached sermons through radio ministry in the late 1950’s through the early 1960’s. He served as Associate Pastor at Full Gospel Assembly for over 50 years. He studied the bible daily and delivered the word of the Lord until the age of 93.
L.C. was a kind, loving, patient and compassionate man who loved his wife Jackie. He was devoted to his family and his community. He modeled what it meant to be a dad, husband and a servant of his fellow man through his words and actions. He showed all those around him what it meant to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. He is sure to be watching over his family as they continue to move forward, taking with them the strong faith and wisdom he modeled and bestowed upon them. He was the definition of what it means to be a prayer warrior.
We have lost a great man. His life was an incredible gift to everyone he impacted. L.C. lived in faith and is now with the Lord.
L.C. was the last remaining member of his generation. Preceding him in death are L.C.’s wife, Jackie Louise Messer; four siblings: Helen Irene Walling, Lois Marie Mitchell, Harold Lloyd Messer, and Horace Dail Messer; grandson Tracy Scott Messer; son-in-law Justin Smith; and great granddaughters Tyler Messer and Blessing Tambunga.
L.C. was survived by, his son Terry Messer (Pat), his daughters Carol Smith (David), Kathy Arhelger (Tony) and Donna Timms (Lee). His Grandchildren, Timothy Messer (Courtney), Terry Stinnett (Brandy), Jackie Smith, Toby Messer, Kim Garcia (Delbert) Steven Arhelger (Kelly), Marvin Louis Arhelger (Brittany), Melanie Flores (Brandon), Courtney Tambunga (Chris), Traci Leigh Ann Cardenas (Cody), Justin Smith (Carly), Miranda Cooke (John), Ashley Lanier (Brad) and Dana Timms. He was blessed with 28 Great Grandchildren, his Full Gospel Assembly Church Family and a host of other loved ones and friends.
A viewing will be held from 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 21st at Johnson’s Funeral Home, with family present from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 22nd, 2022 at Johnson’s Funeral Home.
Pallbearers: Timothy Messer, Steven Arhelger, Marvin Louis Arhelger, Xander Arhelger, James Arhelger, Mikey Salazaar, Jonathan Cardenas and Caden Cardenas. Honorary Pallbearers: Terry Stinnett Jr and Toby Messer. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com
