George Thomas Messer, 74, of Crab Orchard, passed away Sunday, Feb. 10, at the Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center in Danville.

Born in the community of St. Elmo in Fayette County, Illinois on August 11, 1944, George was a son of the late Levi M. and Marie Fern (Spangler) Messer. He was the husband of Diana (Smith) Messer whom he married on December 31, 1965. George had worked as a farmer and cattle hauler. He was a member of The Drakes Creek Baptist Church and the Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Diana Messer of Crab Orchard; daughter, Denise and husband Charles Young of Winchester; son, Greg T. Messer and wife Karen of Stanford; sister, Helen and husband Charles Spangler of Berea; brother, John Messer and wife Margaret of Charleston, Illinois; two grandsons, Darren and Thomas DeMarse; and special friend and caregiver, Hailey Yates.

Funeral services are at 11 a.m. today (Thursday, Feb. 14) at McKnight Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Lester Tirey officiating. Burial will follow in the Crab Orchard Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Michael Rankin, Charles Young, Lyndon Peck, Richie Hawley, Robbie Mattingly and Tracy Renner. Honorary pallbearers are Steve Moore and the Adult Sunday School Class of Drakes Creek Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Gideons International Bible Fund.