ARTHUR MESSER

Arthur Messer, 87, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus, after a brief illness on September 14, 2024 at St. Luke's Hospice. His wife, Judy was at his side as well as his beloved children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was born on July 17, 1937 in Kansas City. Due to a difficult and early delivery he required special care in one of the first incubators at KU medical Center. He was adopted by his Aunt Virginia and Harry Devault, who lovingly cared for and raised him and his two sisters, Patricia and Mary Bet( Cissy).

In 1955 Art joined the US Army. After a tour in Germany he returned to the United States, where he met the love of his life.  They were married on May 27, 1961 at Redemptorist Catholic Church.

Arthur worked at TWA as a machinist from 1963 until he retired in 2001. He and his wife Judy enjoyed traveling not only across the United States, but also the world. Making several trips to Portugal and Greece, where they visited a total four times and made many friends.  Once they tired of flying, they bought a new station wagon and traveled all over the country.

The Catholic Church was a very important part of Arthur's life where he was a parishioner at Coronation of Our Lady, in Grandview for 56 years.  He was also very involved in the Cursillo Movement,  and devoted many years of service both to the parish and the Cursillo. The Cursillo gave him the strength to continue life without alcohol, giving him the joy of sobriety for 58 years.   Arthur and Judy were a part of a social group from Church called the Gourmet Group, who became lifelong friends. Arthur was always willing to help others, whether they were neighbors or a stranger in need.

Arthur was a devoted father and husband even folding many loads of laundry and washing lots of dishes.  He loved having family over for the holidays and special events, with a house full of laughter, love and good food. Arthur and Judy worked hard to put their eight children through private school, all of them graduating from Archbishop O'Hara high school.

He found joy for many years in caring for his yard, riding his John deer mower, planting many wonderful gardens with a wide variety of plants, vegetables, and colorful flowers. His devotion to the Blessed Virgin was illustrated by the gorgeous display of roses and peonies surrounding the Statue of Our Lady in his backyard. Two of his favorite pastimes were cheering on the KC Chiefs and enjoying lots of ice cream any chance he got.

Next time you have a chocolate shake or bowl of ice cream, think of Grandpa Arthur and give him a smile for us.

Arthur is survived by: His wife Judy, his eight children Mary Vogt (Mark), Anne Kennedy (Duane) ,  John Messer (Mary Beth), Luke Messer ( Lisa), Thad Messer (Chrissy), Sarah Tibbetts (Russell),  Bart Messer (Cindy),  and  Clare Jeffress (Dwight) .  His sister Pat Rhodes, twenty-seven grandchildren and twenty-four great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his sister Mary Bet, and his parents.

A visitation will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at Coronation of Our Lady Parish, 13000 Bennington Ave., Grandview, Missouri 64030. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at Coronation of Our Lady Parish.

Donations may be made to St. Mary Indian Mission  P.O Box 39 Tohatchi, New Mexico 87325

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278