Parnell Farmer Left 109 Great-Grandchildren

A Parnell farmer left 109 great-grandchildren when he passed away in 1965. Joseph Elmer Messner was born in Marietta (OH) in 1873 before coming to Parnell, where he was a member of the Ravenwood Christian Church. He had three sons; Joseph Messner of Parnell (1913-1993); Lloyd C. Messner of Maryville; and Floyd Earl Messner of Riverbank (CA). He had four daughters; Mrs. Eldon Coffelt of Ravenwood; Mrs. Jessie McFarland of Maryville; Mrs. Lester David of Riverbank (CA), and Wilma Mae Messner Kerwin of Parnell (1919-2015). He had 47 grandchildren, 109 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great grandchildren.

His parents were Phillip Messner (1840-1910) and Malisa West Messner (1839-1904). His spouse was Bertha Adams Messner (1882-1940).

Siblings were Sarah Messner Dillon (1861-1943), John Adam Messner (1864-1941), Jacob Ezra Messner (1875-1960), Martha Messner Gampfer (1879-1963), and George Lewis Messner (1882-1968).

The Rev. L.B. Day officiated at the funeral service held at the Ravenwood Christian Church, assisted by Charles Gash. He is buried in the Oak Lawn Cemetery in Ravenwood. Mrs. Dale Hersh sang “In the Garden” and “Going Down the Valley.” Mrs. Charles Gash played the organ. Pallbearers were Elmo Trimble, Derril Caldwell, Clinton Scadden, Norbert Mattson, Gerald Newberry, and Francis Auffert.

Mrs. Jerry Fugate, Mrs. Jack Scadden, Mrs. Norbert Mattson, Mrs. Gerald Newberry, Mrs. Derril Caldwell, and Mrs. Elmo Trimble were in charge of the flowers.
–Submitted by Ellen Wickert