Melvin Erving Messer

Melvin was born on September 17, 1953, in Oakland, California. The adopted son of Erving and Ann Couch, who preceded him in death at a very young age. He was then raised and adopted by Malcom Messer and Thelma Manriquez. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; where he served a mission in Northern Italy, became the first bishop of the Fulton Ward, Columbia MO Stake and served faithfully in many callings.

On July 1, 1981, he was sealed in marriage to Shawn Lei Kelepolo at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mesa Arizona Temple.

He served in the US Navy for 24 years before retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer.

After retirement, he worked for Ameren Missouri at the Callaway Nuclear Power Plant before retiring in 2016. Melvin enjoyed being involved in the Boy Scouts of America, ham radio groups, community bands and choirs. He was a proud father and grandfather.

Survivors include: his wife of 44 years, Shawn Messer of the home; his children, Melia Semones (Jonathan) of Fulton, MO, Miki Jackson (Evan) of Nauvoo, IL, Keoni Messer of Manhattan, KS and Maile Messer of Columbia, Missouri; his mother, Thelma Manriquez (David); his siblings, Mike Messer, Cathy Shaeffer Frodsham (Tim), Tina Arnell (Greg), Carrie Tondee (Phil), Mark Messer; and his seven grandchildren, Gabrielle, Evan, Gavin, Hannah, Ruth, Chloe and Ezra. He was also preceded in death by his father, Malcom Messer.

Visitation will be on Monday, May 12, 2025, from 9:00 am – 10:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Fulton, MO. Funeral will follow at 10:00 am at the church with Bishop Nathan Mulder presiding. Graveside service with full military honors will be held on Monday, May12, 2025 at 2:00 pm in Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, MO.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cure Cadasil, c/o Debo Funeral Home, 833 Court St, Fulton, MO 65251 or online at https://curecadasil.org/donate-to-cure-cadasil/