Richard Messer passed away in the early morning hours of Monday, August 16th, 2021, resting in his home in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was surrounded by his loved ones in the preceding days, and his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren at the time of his death.
Richard was born in Barbourville, Kentucky on June 26th, 1948 to parents Gilbert and Alabama Messer (formerly Smith). Richard was one of ten children. He was survived by his brother Tony Messer, sister Edie Cundiff, sister Betty Davis, sister Brenda Callinan, sister Margie Messer, wife Cleo Messer, son Richard Jason Messer, daughter-in-law Amanda Messer, and two grandchildren, Richard Golden and Jason Robert Messer. He is preceded in death by Gilbert Messer Jr., who passed at birth, parents Alabama and Gilbert Messer, sister Nellie Robinson, sister Louise Messer, brother Randall Messer, and daughter Cleo Lynn Messer.
Richard moved to Cincinnati as a young boy and made many friends, still keeping close relationships with them right up until the time of his death. He enjoyed movies, fishing, visiting his old home place in the country, going to festivals, and spending time around the dinner table with family every chance he could. And while all these things gave him pleasure, nothing meant more to Richard than his passion for music.
An avid songwriter and performer, Richard played in many country and gospel groups in his life. Being a devout Christian and member of the Intercontinental Church of God, spreading the gospel in song was his biggest dream. He recorded many albums of original music, often playing with family, which gave him the most joy of all.
Richard’s ability to put his family first was always on display, as he was quick to lend a helping hand when anyone needed him. No matter the request, big or small, if Richard could help, he would. Helping those he loved was always a priority, even if it meant just sitting down and talking with them about life, the bible, or how he thought they could benefit from the new things he tried to teach himself every day. All this he did out of love, and a hope that he could improve the lives of those around him he cared about.
Richard’s wife Cleo would like to thank everyone for their kind words and offerings for help and support during the last year and a half. After being diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in early 2020, Richard never gave up hope and leaned on his family and his religious beliefs to help get him through.
Visitation will be at the Cobb-Hampton Funeral Home on Saturday evening from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. and the funeral service will be on Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
All are welcome to attend the Caleb Creek Cemetery, where Richard will be laid to rest at his family’s burial site after the services conclude. Cobb-Hampton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
To the Messer family, the staff of the Cobb-Hampton Funeral Home would like to offer you our heartfelt sympathy during your time of bereavement.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Messer, please visit our floral store.
