Joseph Fife Messenbaugh III

Joseph Fife Messenbaugh III... a warrior who valiantly fought varying forms of cancer for twenty-two years. He was a shining example of one whose courage and determination to live outweigh the physical ravages of disease. Without complaint and negativity, his remarkable attitude even afforded him the opportunity to travel to New York City weeks ago to see his first great-grandchild Audrey Elizabeth Griffin.

Born to Joseph F. Messenbaugh, Sr. and Frances Messenbaugh on May 21, 1934, Joseph eventually followed in his father's path of medicine. He earned Phi Beta Kappa as an undergraduate from the University of Oklahoma and continued to enjoy fellowship with his Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity brothers throughout the duration of his life. Among the top of his class at The University of Oklahoma Medical School, Joseph was selected as a member of the nationally recognized medical honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha. He subsequently specialized in orthopedic surgery and was with McBride Clinic for many years; he served as Chief of Staff for a period of time.

Joseph was truly interested in every patient that he served. Beyond their physical ailment, he took time and genuine interest in their lives whether they were farmers or oil and gas company executives. He viewed every person whose path crossed his as equally valuable. He knew no stranger. For friends, he was a wealth of medical advice and always had the time, energy and patience for their phone calls and home visits. In addition to being revered for his intelligence and diagnostic abilities, he was a man of unsurpassed duty, loyalty and integrity.

Joseph was devoted to his wife Margy Stipes Messenbaugh for over sixty-six years. They have three children: Anne Crum (Bruce), Joseph M. Messenbaugh (Kathleen), and David Messenbaugh (Patricia). He was greatly adored by four grandchildren: Patrick Griffin (Stephanie), Andrew Griffin (Leona), Adriana and Natalia Messenbaugh. He is also survived by cherished siblings: Barbara J. Messenbaugh and Robert L. Messenbaugh (Hildegard).

"I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

If you so desire, Joseph Messenbaugh's life would be honored by a contribution to either World Neighbors or The University of Oklahoma Medical School.

Private family services will be held at a later date.