Buel Messer

Buel Messer, 83, husband of Rebecca (Becky) Parsons Messer of Staunton, Virginia went to be with the Lord on January 13, 2021. Buel was born in Knott County, Kentucky to Clifford and Eva Messer on December 8, 1937, and was one of seven brothers. In addition to his loving wife of 56 years, he is survived by a brother, Radford Messer, of Lima, Ohio; a son, Charles Joseph Messer, his wife Angela, and four grandchildren, Julia, Olivia, Davis and Ava, all of Richmond, Virginia; a son, Michael Buel Messer, his wife Lori, and grandchildren, Sawyer and Anna, all from the Staunton area; and faithful canine companion, Jake. Buel graduated from Findlay College where he was a nationally ranked athlete in wrestling and track and field. He later earned his Master of Education from the University of Virginia. His early career as a teacher and coach brought his young family to Staunton. He went on to start his company, Messer Landscape, Inc. which he successfully ran for more than 30 years sharing with others his fondness for using horticulture to create beautiful landscapes. Buel was at heart, a farmer, winning trophies and ribbons as a young boy and raising champion livestock. For the past 18 years, he further pursued his passion through Messer Farms. He was a co-founder and active member of Staunton Grace Covenant Church, where he not only cultivated his relationship with Christ but also with dearest friends. He was a life-long dreamer, leading with determination, compassion, and generosity in everything he did. Through it all, his dedication to the love of his life, Becky, was what he cherished most. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be given, in lieu of flowers, to Staunton Grace Covenant Church, 410 West Beverley Street, Staunton, Virginia 24401 or to the Verona Community Food Pantry, P.O. Box 187, Verona, Virginia 24482. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com.