Lester (Les) Messamer Obituary

On April 14th, 2026, Lester (Les) Leroy Messamer (99) passed away just 4 months shy of his 100th birthday in Columbine Manor Care Center in Salida, Colorado with family and friends surrounding him. He had suffered a broken hip in March and could not recover. Les was born August 12th, 1926 at home to Burton and Ethel Messamer near Adel, Iowa. Les and Mary had three children: Ray (Patricia) Messamer, Sue (Ray) Albert, Larry (Becky) Messamer; 7 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his wife of 74 years, Mary, his parents, two brothers, a sister, and his son-in-law. He served in the Army Air Corps in World War II and in the Coast Guard where he helped to transport the very first cattle from the USA to China in an effort known as the Heifer Project. After his service he earned a master’s degree in elementary education and spent 28 years as a teacher and elementary/middle school principal. The family moved to Buena Vista, Colorado in the summer of 1969. Besides his education career, he also worked many years as a radio sportscaster and news man. His fascination with Native American culture led him to many friendships and honors, including being named as an honorary elder along with Mary. Les was a storyteller. He authored a couple of published books and wrote stories about his life and what he learned through them for another book that is still in progress. He saw God working in every phase of his life. Les was always serving others, and will be remembered and greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. All are welcome at any of these events: Celebration of Life: 1:00PM,Thursday, May 28th, 2026 at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 217 Crossman Ave., Buena Vista, CO. Refreshments to follow. Military service with honors: 2:00pm, August 7th, 2026 at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80925. “100th” Birthday Celebration to honor Les’s rich legacy: Time TBD, Saturday, August 8th, 2026, Central Colorado Area Agency on Aging Community Center, 6266 Cleora Rd, Salida, CO 81201. On line condolences may be sent to the family at lewisandglenn.com. Arrangements are with Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home. 

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