Obituary - Daisy Walton Messer

Daisy Walton Messer, age 105, passed away February 1, 2024. Daisy was the oldest daughter of Ernest Walton and Louvice “Vicie” Hubbard Walton, joyfully born to them September 16, 1918, in Artemus, Knox County, Kentucky. Daisy was a lifelong resident of Artemus, Kentucky. She loved her Appalachian community.

During her teen years, Daisy worked as a live-in nanny for her Aunt Rhoda and Uncle Ben Messer. While living there, Daisy’s Aunt Rhoda taught her to play the piano, inspiring Daisy’s love of music. Over the years, Daisy shared her musical talent at church, playing the piano and singing solos. Daisy’s Aunt Rhoda and Uncle Ben operated a family grocery in Artemus. As luck would have it, Arthur Messer, who was Ben’s nephew, frequented the store, meeting his lifelong soulmate Daisy there; and so began their journey. Daisy and Arthur were united in marriage on July 17, 1937.

Daisy kept a loving and inviting home for family and friends alike. She also worked as a seamstress for LaResista, which became Warners, for many years. When she wasn’t working or volunteering, Daisy enjoyed playing board games, especially Chinese Checkers and Trouble, which she played until her fingers could no longer grip and control the marbles. Daisy, a centenarian, attributed some of her longevity to walking. It's been said that housekeepers who came to offer their services were instead enlisted as companions to walk outside for exercise. Daisy was a great asset to her church and took an active part in Sunday School, Women's Missionary Union (WMU), and Senior Adults Living Triumphantly (SALT). Additionally, Daisy worked with the outreach ministry program, writing cards and letters to homebound individuals. Through this ministry, she made a special pen pal in Georgia, Marie Hughes, communicating with this lady for over 30 years. Although Daisy and Marie never met, this special pen pal’s family came to Artemus after Marie’s passing to meet Daisy and show appreciation for the unwavering support and compassion she showed their mother all those years. Involved and caring, Daisy remained active, well into her 90s, in her roles as family matriarch, dedicated church member and beloved resident of Artemus.

Daisy delighted in making homemade fudge, jelly and apple butter; and she rarely went to church without something to give to her friends. For decades, she led the homebound ministry at East Barbourville Baptist Church and never visited empty handed. She fondly talked about her mother taking flowers and food to neighbors and that being one of many important examples her mother set for her in her life. Daisy was a Kentucky Colonel and proudly displayed her framed certificate at her one-hundredth birthday party, which was attended by an estimated 200 family and friends. Daisy’s selfless nature and generosity were demonstrated at that party when she asked that donations be made to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, rather than receiving gifts for herself.

Daisy’s dedication to her family, faith, and community was steadfast. After a building and remodeling project at East Barbourville Baptist Church, she was presented a Golden Paintbrush award for her contribution to the effort. Sponsored by Kenneth L. Ramsey, Daisy was named a 2009 Tri-County Woman of the Year “Woman of Distinction” by the Times-Tribune newspaper in Corbin, where she was recognized at a celebratory luncheon attended by the Ramsey family. Daisy was a Girls in Action (GA) leader, regularly hosting the girls in her home for mission education. Handy with needle and thread, she crocheted and made quilts, winning many Blue Ribbons at the Knox County Fair.

Left behind to mourn Daisy’s passing are sons J. Harold Messer (Peggy) of Artemus; Norman Van Messer (Shirley) of Sun City Center, Florida and Portage, Indiana; daughter-in-law Judy Kindoll-Messer of Corbin; and fifteen cherished grandchildren: Marvin Messer of Indialantic, Florida; Darryl Cobb (Angie) of LaPorte, Indiana; Berchel Messer (Chiquita) of Artemus; Greg Cobb (Donna) of Hemet, California; Sherry Messer of Artemus; Dawn Bradley (Damon) of Apex, North Carolina; Rodney Messer (Kim) of Bimble; Melissa Harley of Holly Springs, North Carolina; Mona Ralston (Charlie) of Westville, Indiana; Jay Messer, Jr. (Terri) of Carmel, Indiana; Arthur Gerrell Messer of Deland, Florida; Eugene Messer of Palm Bay, Florida; Derrick Messer (Marci) of Osceola, Indiana; David Messer (Nicole) of Portage, Indiana; and April Jo Zaragoza (David) of San Jacinto, California. Daisy is also survived by 28 great-grandchildren and 12 great great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Ernest and Louvice “Vicie” Hubbard, Daisy was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Arthur Messer; son Russell Lowell Messer; son Randall Wayne Messer and his wife Billie Messer; daughter Sonia Cobb Freeman and her husband Garrett Freeman; sisters Grace Barnett, Ruby Alford, and Catherine Miller; and brothers Joseph Walton, Daniel W. Walton, and Madison D. Walton. Daisy’s eldest grandson, Rickie Edward Messer, also preceded her in death.

The Messer family will receive friends at Hopper Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, from 11:00 AM until the funeral hour of 1:00 PM. Reverend James Vandy will officiate assisted by two of Daisy’s grandsons, Marvin Messer and Jay Messer, Jr. Dr. Josh K. Smith will perform a musical tribute. Interment will follow the funeral service in the Barbourville Cemetery. Daisy’s beloved grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The family has chosen as honorary pallbearers the Sunshine Sunday School Class of East Barbourville Baptist Church and dedicated staff members of Barbourville Health and Rehabilitation Center.