Messinger_Walter_16 October 1888
Our loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, was finally able to go home to our Heavenly Father on Friday, March 8, 1997. He passed away at his home in Downey at the age of 108, one of the oldest residents of Idaho.
Walter was born October 16, 1888 in Beaver, Utah, the son of Melvin H. and Alice Curfew Messinger. He grew up on the family farm.
He was married to Melvina Mae Rasmussen in Pocatello in 1914, and their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple. Melvina died in October of 1952.
He met and married Annie Larson in January of 1954 in the Logan LDS Temple. Annie passed away in October of 1991.
He had held many positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and had always been strong in the gospel.
He is survived by three children, Mrs. Ernest (Ruby) Croshaw of Downey, Clyde and Viola Messinger of Fairfield, California, Walter and Phyllis Messinger of Ellensburg, Washington; four stepchildren, Roy and Myrna Larson of Downey, Glen Joe and Glenys Edwards of McCall, Idaho, Dee and Iva Lou Packard of Bountiful, Utah; Reed T. Larson of Salt Lake City, Utah; one stepdaughter-in-law, Norma T. Larson of Grand Island, Nebraska; 12 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 31 great-great-grandchildren, 18 step-grandchildren and many step-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 12, 1997 at noon in the Downey LDS Second Ward Chapel, Bishop Coy Pratt officiating. Friends may call at the Downey church on Tuesday evening, March 11, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and on Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Arrangements are by Horsley’s Marsh Valley Funeral Home, Arimo.
Because of Mr. Messinger’s age, a special article will appear in a later edition of the Idaho State Journal.