Willard George “Will” Messman, 80, a Plymouth resident since 1993, formerly of Walkerton, IN. died unexpectedly at 11:02 a.m. of natural causes at his Lincoln Highway residence on Tuesday, March 20, 2012.
Will was born in LaPorte, IN. on November 17, 1931. He attended the Lutheran School in LaPorte and served in the United States Army in the Korean War.
On January 25, 1997, in Walkerton, Will and Martha I. (Pointon) Bunton were married.
Will was a jack of all trades. He worked in the R.V. manufacturing business in Missouri in the plumbing department. He also had cooked in Walkerton at the BP Convenience Store.
He loved his dog, Bair a chiwawa. He enjoyed traveling, fishing and doing yard work. As a cook, he was known for his delicious Reuben and Italian Beef sandwiches and egg rolls.
He was a long time member of the Blissville Church of the Brethren.
Will is survived by his wife, Martha and by two sons: Herbert and his wife, Glenda Messman, Decatur, AL. and Robert and his wife, Nancy Messman, Texas.
Seven step-daughters also survive. They are: Cheryl Carder, Michigan City, IN.; Laura Arvin, Ellen (Earl) Scott, Margaret (Greg) Carroll and Rose Cook, all of Plymouth, and Sherry (Kenneth) Lindsley, New Buffalo, MI., and Donna Cannon, Nappanee, IN.
Six step-sons survive as well. They are David (Diane) Pointon; Douglas (Glenna) Bunton; Michael (Marlene) Bunton: Donald (Tina) Bunton, all of Plymouth and Warren (Carolyn) Bunton, Grovertown and Ronald (Cara) Bunton, Bremen.
Four sisters also survive. They are Virginia Budd, Phoenix, AZ.; Delores (Dennis) Hickman, Jonesboro, AR.; Dorothy Smith, LaPorte, IN. and Marilyn Messman. One brother, Edward Messman of Florida survives as well. Former spouses include: Jean Messman, Wilma Messman and Wanda Messman.
Will was preceded in death by his parents and by one brother, Clarence Messman.
Visitation for will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. (EDT) on Sunday, March 25, 2012, in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 North Michigan St., Plymouth.
Funeral services for Will, officiated by Rev. Dester Cummins, pastor of the Blissville Church of the Brethren, will be held in the church, 6250 Spruce Trail, Plymouth at 11 a.m. (EDT) on Monday, March 26, 2012. Calling will continue one hour prior to the service in the church. Interment with military honors provided by members of the Walkerton American Legion Post 189, will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Walkerton, IN.
Memorial gifts may be made in Will’s memory to the Blissville Church.
dan korp says
POPS
you was the best man i ever knew. Thank you for taking care of my Grandma and for being a Special part of our family> You will be Greatly Missed. Until we meet again in Heven I will always love you.
dan
grandson
margaret carroll says
Uncle Will….. i will always hold you in my heart… I miss you so much …thought you would always be there…Thank you for loving my momma so much and making her feel like a queen…. You showed her what love was suppose to be……You were the kindest man I have ever known.. Miss you now and Forever. Love you much !!! Margaret.
David & Diane Pointon says
Will was a man of so many words, caring, loving, generous and respectful of the family and especially our dear and loving mother.The touch that you gave her will always be carried within our hearts.Rest in peace Will and we appreciate you for so many things. Love you and will miss you. For all the kind things that you have done,the lord will return to you.
Jim Miller says
I was sorry to hear of the passing of Willard. I had talked to him recently and I\’m glad I had the chance. Willard and I served together in the Wire Section of Headquarters Battery, 99th Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division during the occupation of Japan and the Korean War. It\’s sad to see a buddy go.
So long, Buddy.
Miller
Glenda & Herb says
Dad , Martha,and all your extended wonderful family,
Dad was loved by us all in Alabama. Glenda and Herb and all of the family enjoyed our visits. We love him so much and are going to miss him dearly .We are so happy that Dad and Martha has such a Wonderful,Kind,and Loving family.Our fondest memories,just one of countless,is Dad putting bicycles together at Wal Mart for the children at Christmas. Dad I know that you are in Heaven looking down upon all of us helping and guiding our way to be strong. WE LOVE YOU
Joshua Messman says
Willard was apparently my Grandfather that I never knew. I hope to get to meet many of you and I am sorry I could not make the service
dan korp says
POPS
you was the best man i ever knew. Thank you for taking care of my Grandma and for being a Special part of our family> You will be Greatly Missed. Until we meet again in Heven I will always love you.
dan
grandson
margaret carroll says
Uncle Will….. i will always hold you in my heart… I miss you so much …thought you would always be there…Thank you for loving my momma so much and making her feel like a queen…. You showed her what love was suppose to be……You were the kindest man I have ever known.. Miss you now and Forever. Love you much !!! Margaret.
David & Diane Pointon says
Will was a man of so many words, caring, loving, generous and respectful of the family and especially our dear and loving mother.The touch that you gave her will always be carried within our hearts.Rest in peace Will and we appreciate you for so many things. Love you and will miss you. For all the kind things that you have done,the lord will return to you.
Jim Miller says
I was sorry to hear of the passing of Willard. I had talked to him recently and I\’m glad I had the chance. Willard and I served together in the Wire Section of Headquarters Battery, 99th Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division during the occupation of Japan and the Korean War. It\’s sad to see a buddy go.
So long, Buddy.
Miller
Glenda & Herb says
Dad , Martha,and all your extended wonderful family,
Dad was loved by us all in Alabama. Glenda and Herb and all of the family enjoyed our visits. We love him so much and are going to miss him dearly .We are so happy that Dad and Martha has such a Wonderful,Kind,and Loving family.Our fondest memories,just one of countless,is Dad putting bicycles together at Wal Mart for the children at Christmas. Dad I know that you are in Heaven looking down upon all of us helping and guiding our way to be strong. WE LOVE YOU
Joshua Messman says
Willard was apparently my Grandfather that I never knew. I hope to get to meet many of you and I am sorry I could not make the service