Biography
Timothy Joseph Messer
November 7, 1953 – November 22, 2014
Timothy Joseph Messer was a quiet and gentle man whose presence was felt more through his actions than through words. He had a naturally sweet voice that he rarely raised, a thoughtful nature, and a brilliant mind. He was a private person who often kept his thoughts to himself, but those who knew him well understood the depth of his love and devotion to his family.
Born in Milan, Indiana, Tim was the son of Adrian and Isabel Messer and a loving brother to Adrian, Andrew, and Sandra. He was a devoted son and brother, and family was always an important part of his life.
Tim earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Franklin College and a Master’s degree in Political Science from Indiana State University. He devoted most of his professional life to GTE, which later became Verizon Telecommunications, where he built a long and respected career.
Tim was previously married to Celeste Messer, the mother of his daughters. Although their lives eventually took separate paths, they remained in contact and continued to care for one another as good friends, honoring the love and life they had once shared.
For Tim, however, his greatest accomplishments were not professional. They were found in the people he loved. He deeply cared for his daughters—Ashley, Alayna, Adriana, and Audrey—and embraced Maritza’s children, Melissa and Miguel, as part of his family as well. He treasured family gatherings and the simple joy of spending time together.
In the final months of his life, Tim was beginning to build a dream he had shared with his family: a new home on the lake. He had only been working on that dream for four months when his life was unexpectedly taken by a heart attack on November 22, 2014, at the age of 61.
Tim’s life was quiet, but his love was deep. He did not need a loud voice to make an impression, nor many words to show that he cared. His kindness, intelligence, gentle spirit, and devotion to those he loved remain part of the lives of his family and friends.
He left this world far too soon, but he left behind something that time cannot take away—a lifetime of love and memories held forever in the hearts of those who knew him.
