Donald Eugene Messmer

Donald Eugene Messmer, of Lake Saint Louis, MO, passed away Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at the age of 91. Born March 25, 1932, Connersville, Indiana, Don was the second child of Herschel C. and Ethel F. Messmer. He was a graduate of Connersville High School, Class of 1950. A Korean War Veteran, Don achieved rank of Petty Officer Second Class, Storekeeper, in the United States Navy from 1952 - 1956. On August 9, 1955, Don married Sarah (Sally) Starr in University Christian Church, San Diego, California.

A drive through the towns and countryside of Eastern Indiana can still show why Donald was a well-respected Union journeyman brick and stonemason. He worked for over 50 years, building private homes and beautiful fireplaces. He joined Central Christian Church, Connersville, IN, in 1971 and served as deacon and as a member of several other committees. After moving to Lake St. Louis, MO in 2017, Donald attended Living Lord Lutheran Church.

Donald was a lifetime gardener and especially enjoyed growing tomatoes and sharing his produce. He was a good neighbor, always looking for ways to help others. Most precious to him were his wife and family. Traveling to the mountains and other destinations gave him great pleasure, especially family celebrations of their 50^th, 60^th and 66^th wedding anniversaries in Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his father, Herschel at age 91 in 1991; his mother, Ethel at age 97 in 2001; his sister, Frances Evelyn McCombs in 2017; and daughter-in-law, Bonnette Messmer in November of 2021.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Sally, son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Kristine Messmer of Lake St. Louis, MO; son Kurt Messmer of Manhattan, KS; grandchildren: Meghan Bernhardt and husband, Jonathan of St. Charles, MO; Andrew and wife, Lydia Messmer of Edgerton, WI; Luke Messmer of Manhattan, KS; Mariah Messmer Reyes and husband, Israel of Altemonte Springs, FL; and Blake Messmer of Lake St. Louis, MO; three great-grandchildren: Graham Kent Bernhardt, Jonas Michael Bernhardt, and Rilee Kristine Messmer. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews and their families.

Local arrangements are being handled by Baue Funeral Home. The memorial service will be held at Living Lord Lutheran Church, 500 Cedar Circle Drive, Lake St. Louis, MO 63367 at 1:00 p.m., on May 20, 2023 with visitation in the narthex of the church preceding the service and a luncheon following.

At a later date, a celebration of life will be held in the Fellowship Hall of the Central Christian Church in Connersville, IN 47331 with interment at Dale Cemetery in Connersville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be made to the ALS Association (online) or 1300 Wilson Blvd., Ste 600; Arlington, VA 22209; Central Christian Church, P.O. Box 60, Connersville, IN 47331; or Living Lord Lutheran Church, 500 Cedar Circle Drive, Lake St. Louis, MO 63367.