Robert Thomas Messenger

Robert Thomas Messenger was born on February 9, 1914, in Richmond, Kansas. He was the son of Russell Evans and Zoe Jeanette (Carey) Messenger. Mr. Messenger died on Wednesday, August 13, 2008, at the age of ninety-four years. RESIDENCE HISTORY: Robert grew up in the Richmond area and moved to the Princeton area in about 1937. He moved to Ottawa in 1964. EDUCATION: Robert attended Tapley Grade School and graduated from Princeton High School in Princeton, Kansas with the class of 1932. OCCUPATION & BUSINESS: Robert worked as a railway clerk for Santa Fe Railroad for thirty-two years, retiring in 1977. GOVERNMENT SERVICE: He served during World War II from April 4, 1942 until November of 1945 in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Corporal. During the war, he served in Eutian Islands off the coast of Alaska, originally serving for a year and a half in infantry and then in a clerk-typist position. After serving overseas, he served at Ft. Hood in restoration of Army prisoners. MEMBERSHIPS: He was a former member of Princeton United Methodist Church. He was a current member of First United Methodist Church and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Memorial Post #5901, both of Ottawa. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from Dengel & Son Mortuary at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 18, 2008. IN STATE: Friends may pay their respects to Mr. Messenger from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. Sunday at the Dengel & Son Mortuary, where the family will meet with friends at 9:30 a.m. Monday prior to the services. CEMETERY: Highland Cemetery in Ottawa, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to First United Methodist Church of Ottawa or Princeton United Methodist Church, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through dengelmortuary@sbcglobal.net. Survivors include: Many cousins of Kansas and Texas including caregivers: Wilma Atchison of Princeton, Kan. Virginia Lancaster of Ottawa, Kan. Velma Louderback of Princeton, Kan. Preceded in death by: Father-Russell Evans Messenger Mother-Zoe Jeanette (Carey) Messenger Sister-Eula Taylor