Joe Edward Messer Sr.
MESSER
Joe Edward Messer Sr., 86, a resident of Parsons, West Virginia, passed away Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the WV Caring Hospice Center in Elkins. He was born July 10, 1939, at Seebert, West Virginia, a son of the late Henry Messer and the late Carmen Daniels Messer.
On Aug. 23, 1963 at Oakland, Maryland, he was married to Barbara Jean Roberts, who survives in Parsons. Also surviving are one son, Joe E. Messer Jr. and wife, Sonya, of Montrose; one daughter, Tina Gale Primavero of Parsons, West Virginia; a brother, Henry S. âJuneã Messer and wife, Nancy, of Gilman; two sisters, Carol Ann Fansler of Elkins and Karen June Arbogast of Gilman. Also surviving are grandchildren, Crystal Shoemake and Jimmy, Laura Jones, Tessi Arbogast and Corey, John Henry Messer and Samantha, Chelsi Demastes and Thomas, Hailee Primavero, Jeb Primavero and Tiffany; and grand dog, Abby; great-grandchildren, Anna, Nina, Michael, Briar, Thorn, Pepper, Brady, Bria, Archer, Hudson, Weston, Karter and Kade; and a special great-nephew, Matthew Thornhill; and best friend, Clyde Wilson.
Also preceding him in death were brothers Charles Thornhill Sr. and Jack Messer; and a sister, Janet Westrope.
Joe attended the schools of Randolph County and was a graduate of Elkins High School with the class of 1957. He was a Veteran of the United States Army and was employed in the Power Construction Industry working as a journeyman lineman and foreman having retired from the Forest Construction (Penn Line) prior to his retirement.
Joe was a member of the Orlena Global Methodist Church. He was a gardener and an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting and fishing.
Friends may call from 5 until 7:00 p.m. Monday, May 18, 2026, at the Tomblyn Funeral Home in Elkins. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 19, from the funeral home chapel with Rev. Richard Funk and Rev. Paul Thompson officiating.
Interment will follow in the Gilman Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded at the gravesite by members of the West Virginia National Guard Honor Guard Program, H.W. Daniels Post 29 American Legion and Tygart Valley Post 3647 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
The family request contributions be made to the West Virginia Caring Hospice Center, 169 Diamond St., Elkins, WV 26241 in memory of Joe.
The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Joe Edward Messer Sr.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneral home.com.