Tommy Charles Messer, 61, of Waco, passed away Saturday, October 31st at a local hospital. Funeral services will be 2PM Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Buddy Sipe officiating. Burial will follow at Killeen City Cemetery. Visitation will be 6 to 8PM Monday at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend in Waco. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online Guest Book at www.LakeShoreFuneralHome.com.
Tom was born October 16, 1948 in Temple to Killeen residents Clarence and Edna Mae (Warren) Messer. He graduated from Killeen High School in 1967. He was employed for 14 years at Eakin Press in Austin as a Book Illustrator and later as Publisher. He was united in marriage to Virginia Gayle Gholson on October 17, 1992.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Messer; and his parents.
Survivors include daughter, Barbara Messer Pursley and husband, Robert of Valley Mills; son, Bill Messer and wife, Kirsten of Denver, CO; stepsons, Kyle Gholson and wife, Kimber of Lorena, Kevin Gholson and fiance
Print Obituary & Condolences
I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for Tommy. He treated my Dad, Ed Eakin, with the utmost respect, while learning the business. I never heard him raise his voice. Such a gentle man. I will miss him. A special condolence to Barbara and Chris.
Tom had wonderful manners, treating all who entered Eakin Press with courtesy and attention. He was the kind of publisher a writer loves to find, one who actually read our books–as a reader–and enjoyed them. Thank you, Tommy, for your kindness and support. Linda Bingham
Tommy was one of a kind: a dynamic personality with a hearty laugh, radio DJ voice, and a loving heart. He was a sweetie, and I’ll miss him very much.
Tommy had the greatest sense of humor–and the gentlest. Despite the hectic nature of working at a press, Tommy was the cool dude–the calm in the storm. Even after I started working from my home, he stayed in contact, making me laugh and letting me know all was right with the world. I will miss him terribly.
My deepest sympathy to all of the kids of Tommy and Virginia. I am sorry that I cannot pay my respects in person. I have many fond memories of Temple Communications, and Cellular One days with Tom.
God Bless you all and give you peace.
Love,
Penny Mercer
just thought i would like to offer my condolences to the family, you do not know me nor i know you but i have the same name as your loved one and hope you have lots of special memories of tommy,
thinking of all of you from tommy messer of west lothian scotland uk