Raymond Messenger

Raymond Floyd Messenger, 88, of Smithville, passed away Tuesday March 6, 2012 at home after an extended illness.

Services will be held Monday March 12, 2012 at 11:30 am, Pastor Arthur Carr officiating, with calling hours one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Roberts Funeral Home PO Box 761 Wooster, Ohio 44691 to defray funeral expenses.

Raymond was born September 10, 1923 in Gilmer County, West Virginia. He married Alice Thompson. He moved to Ohio to work the farms in the Rittman and Seville area. When the war broke out he enlisted in the Army and served in WWII in Germany and returned with full honors. He worked for the Kenny Lloyd block company for 15 years. He then went to work at Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. After 16 years of service he retired after being diagnosed with leukemia.

Raymond is survived by his wife of 68 years, children Robin Messenger of the home, Cathy Cook of Erie PA, Karen Ledford of Kent, Connie Crowl of Stuart, Florida, Sheila Ice of Uniontown, Beverly Coggin of Stow, Gary Messenger and Raymond Messenger II both of Akron; 19 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren 4 great-great-grandchildren; and Jason Wyrich, a very dear and special friend.