James A. Messec of Robinson, passed away on Monday, November 9, 2015 at his home surrounded by family members.
Graveside Services: 10AM Friday, November 13, 2015 at Oakwood Cemetery with family and friends in attendance.
James A. was born on March 16, 1923 in Cushing, Texas to Doc Reeves Messec and Effie Virginia Messec. On April 13, 1943 he married Melba Faye Gilbreath his wife and companion of over 66 years.
On April 8, 1943 he joined the U.S. Army and served with General Patton’s 3rd Army during World War II. Decorations and Campaigns included Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was awarded the American Theater Campaign Medal, EAME Campaign Medal with 5 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. James A. was Honorably Discharged November 16, 1945.
After discharge from the Army, James A. was a bus driver for Central Texas Bus Lines in Waco and worked for General Tire and Rubber Company for over 33 years until he retired. He was also a Master Mason of Masonic Lodge of Texas in good standing for over 60 years. He was a member of Cottonwood Baptist Church.
James A. is preceded in death by his loving wife, Melba Faye Messec; his mother, Effie Messec; father, Doc Messec; brother, Bill Messec; and grandsons, Brad Braziel and Jeff Messec.
He is survived by his daughters, Barbara Fletcher and husband Larry of Robinson, Pam Braziel and husband Leslie of Robinson; son, Jim Messec and wife Linda of Hot Springs, Arkansas, 3 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, and 4 step great grandchildren; and sisters, Dorthy Cale of West Virgina, JoAnn Whitaker of Longview, and Nelda Hammett of Henderson.
Special thanks to Providence Hospice, Annette Ayers and Dr. Tim Martindale.
In lieu of flowers the family encourages you to make donations to the MS Society or the Leukemia Society.
Thoughts and memories may be shared at www.LakeShoreFH.com.
Contact Information:
Lake Shore Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Place of Service: Oakwood Cemetery , 2124 S.5th St.; Waco, TX 76706
Print Obituary & Condolences
Dear sweet Messec family, we are so sorry for the loss of James Arnold. We will remember him as a very special neighbor, husband, & Dad! Our hearts go out to each & everyone of you…
Jack & Barba Muse
We are so sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Chris and Angela Vereen
Dear Pam, Barbara, Jimmy and family, We are saddened by the loss of you Daddy! He was a fine man and was one of the greatest generation! We will always think of him when we think of all of you!Know you are in our thoughts and prayers and that we send our love to you all! God Bless You! Dwain & Jeanie Moss
Pam,Barbara ,Jimmy, and all grandchildren. So sorry to hear about James Arnold. I have such sweet, wonderful memories when him and melba were my neighbors on Baylor street. He will be missed, now he is in beautiful heaven with Melba . I will never forget either of them. May God place his loving arms around you all and comfort you.
Mary Jane
Pam, Jimmy, and Barbara, I am so sorry for your loss. I used to hear stories from Jeff about his visits with his grandpa and it was always a hoot to hear some of the things Mr Messec would say. We are slowly losing a generation that saved the USA in WW11. True Patriots they were. May God help all of the family get through this trying time and grant all of you Peace.
Tracy, what an amazing life he lived and will always remain in the hearts of his loving family.
Barbara,Pam & Jimmy, so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing! I will always remember going to your mom and dads place on Baylor, your momma always had y’all’s house smelling so good! Your dad was such a good mans . I guess now they are all in heaven watching over us! May God Bless you and bring you thru this! It seems so impossible to get thru but with time you will get thru it!
Sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Barbara, Jimmy and Pam, we were so saddened with the passing of your dad. He was a part of the greatest generation, at least in our neighborhood growing up! He was a pure gentleman and put up with all us neighborhood kids. Precious memories. . .
Susan and Family,
We wanted to send our sincerest condolences to you and your sweet family during your time of loss. We will be praying for you.
Dear Pam, Les and family. I just now learned of your loss and would have visited had I known sooner. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during tough time. It’s been a while since we’ve seen you guys. We need to get together soon. With Love M G
I got to meet Mr. Messec twice at his home. He was always so pleasant to be around with his jovial hospitality and friendly, witty ribbing. I have been thinking and praying for the family members I know. Sounds like he is in a much better place and I’m glad his closest people were with him at the end.
Dear Ones, You probably do not remember me at all, but I was the next sibling after your Dad. We were raised together ( I am 90) until he went to the war and I finished McNee Business School at Henderson and went to Houston to work. Your Dad was a wonderful brother to me, as well as to our other three siblings. My week has been an emotional one – joyful because he was a saved child of God, as I am, and I know we will see each other again, and sad because I can’t pick up the phone and talk to him. We spent most of our phone calls to each other talking about our “bringin’ up” during the depression. I know you will all miss him immensely, but you can rest assured he was a real man in every sense of the word. Love & Prayers for All.
To my dear neices and nephew,
I love all of you very much and always will….I was sad when I got the message that my big brother had passed, but rejoicing about him going to be with the Lord…We will all see him someday…Sorry I didn’t get to come because Cherlyn was sick and couldn’t bring me, but I was in prayer for you kids for the most part of the week and at 10 the morning of his service …May God Bless you all……..