BILL MESSENGER

Dateline/Rago

Bill Messenger, 86 passed away Tuesday, April 10, 2018 in Estes Park, Colorado.

William Charles Messenger was born January 7, 1932, in Kingman, Kansas to William H. and Rosa Belle (McMichael) Messenger. He was a graduate of Kingman High School, class of 1950. He then attended Hutchinson Junior College. After this, he served his country in the Naval Reserve. Bill spent most of his life as a farmer and rancher in Kingman County. He was a member of many organizations and served on the school board.

On January 5, 1991, he married Jeannette Barnard on the Messenger Family Ranch near Rago, Kansas. After retiring in 1996, they moved to Westcliffe, Colorado, where he was active in Rotary Club and attended the Methodist Church. Bill usually had a metal or wood project going on in his shop. He enjoyed helping his friends and neighbors. He will also be remembered for his gift of humorous stories and jokes.

He is survived by his wife Jeannette of Estes Park; two sons and their wives, Lynden and Mary and Jon and Gayla; daughter Bambi Gress and her husband Tim; stepdaughters Sara Elliott and Rebecca Elliott; grandchildren Jon (Amanda) , Holly, Bonnie, Colleen (Kelsey), Katy, Bill and Jacob; step-grandchildren Isabella, Caden, Alex, Evan, Bailey and Josh; and in addition six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son William M.; a step-son Christopher; and a beloved aunt Hazel Bach.

Graveside services will be 1:30 p.m., Monday, at the Cleveland Cemetery Southwest of Kingman. Following will be a gathering at the Livingston Family Center.

Memorials may be made with the Kingman County Historical Museum or the Kingman Carnegie Library, both in care of Livingston Funeral Home, 1830 N. Main, Kingman, Kansas 67068.