Arden Messer

ARDEN MESSER

Fairfield

Arden Messer, 88, passed away Jan. 3, 2021, at his home surrounded by his loving family. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. A visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, at Behner Funeral Home with family not present. A private funeral service will be held with Pastor Mike Metz officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the First United Methodist Church, Fairfield Lion's Club, or Lake Darling Youth Center. Cards and memorials can be mailed to: Marilyn Messer, 1003 Grand Park Dr., Fairfield, IA 52556.

Arden Messer was born Dec. 23, 1932, in Hillsboro, Iowa, the son of Lyzell and Ruby (McNeely) Messer. He married Marilyn Meloan on June 3, 1956, at the First Methodist Church in Burlington, Iowa. Mr. Messer was raised in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School, Class of 1951. He was a three-sport athlete lettering in football, basketball and track. He earned his B.S. degree from Northeast Missouri State Teachers College in 1959 and a M.A. degree from Northeast Missouri State University (now called Truman State University) in 1964. His education included many post graduate hours at several other universities.

He taught one year in Missouri before coming to Fairfield. He taught Biology, Chemistry and Physics for 36 years in the Fairfield Community School District. During his tenure there, he also served as the Athletic Business Manager for 30 years. He also served as the Southeast "7" Conference Secretary-Treasurer for 31 years.

During the period from 1964 to 1976, he was the supervisor of Lake Darling Youth Center and had continued to serve on the Board of Directors from 1976 to present.

He was Webelo Leader of Pack 62 for two years and a Boy Scout leader of Troop 64 for 14 years. While in Scouting, he received numerous awards, including the prestigious award of "Silver Beaver." He was a Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow. His three sons are Eagle Scouts.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Fairfield. He was a Lions Club member and served as chairman of the Eyeglass Collection Committee. He was also a member of the Walton Club, Elks Club, Howard Johnson Coffee Club and the Fairfield Weak Enders Camping Club.

He enjoyed camping and golfing and since retiring, spending winters in Florida and dancing with his beloved wife, Marilyn.

Arden is survived by his wife, Marilyn of Fairfield; brother, Bob (Sharon)Messer of Mt. Pleasant; sister, Ruth Ann (Harvey) Snavely of Mt. Pleasant; his children, Shawn Messer of North Liberty, Megan (Tony) Ward of High Ridge, Mo., Barton (Mary) Messer of Columbia, Mo., and Bradley Messer of Fairfield, along with grandson, Brandon (Stacy) Gray; and many stepgrandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.behnerfh.com.