William H. "Bill" Messer

William H. "Bill" Messer, 71, of Somerset, Kentucky, passed away Sunday, April 22, 2012 at his residence. He was born in Crab Orchard, Kentucky on November 13, 1940, son of the late James William and Elizabeth Siler Messer. He spent 3 years in the U.S. Army as Sgt. 1st Class with the 101st Airborne Division as a paratrooper and 6 years in the Army reserves. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 40 years of service as a mail carrier, supervisor, manager, superintendent and as an officer in charge in a number of post offices, including Lexington, KY. At the time of retirement, he was manager of the post office operations district domiciled in Somerset, KY for the Southeastern area of Kentucky. He was a KY Colonel, lifetime member of VFW, a member of the American Legion Post #38, where he served as rifle squad commander for the honor guard and a past president of South Lexington Lions Club. Bill enjoyed farming, traveling, gardening and being with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Zelma Mullins Messer of Somerset, whom he married on July 8, 1961 and one brother, Thomas H. & (Joyce) Messer of Crab Orchard, KY. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, William R. "Ronnie" Messer, grandparents, Henry and Martha Messer, two brothers, Donald Ray Messer and Dwight Messer and one sister, Patricia Messer Wiggington. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 AM Friday, April 27, 2012 at Morris & Hislope Funeral Home with Rev. Gilbert Robinson and Chaplain Clarence Floyd officiating. Burial will be in Mill Springs National Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post #38. Visitation will be after 9 AM Friday at Morris & Hislope Funeral Home. Donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Morris & Hislope Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.