Mr. Robert E. Messer, Jr. age 88, of Flat Lick, died Thursday, June 28, 2018 at his home.  He was a son of the late Robert E. Messer and Tressie Warren Messer, born to them on January 21, 1930 on Straight Creek in Bell County.

Mr. Messer was a well known Knox County Teacher and Principal at Dewitt Elementary and Knox Central High School.  He served his country in the United States Navy.  A Member and Deacon of the Dewitt Baptist Church. A member of the Barbourville Kiwanis Club, and a member of The Independent Order of Odd Fellows.  He also served as Chairman for Knox County Ambulance Board.

He united in marriage to Gertrude Mills and to this union three children: Roderick, Pam and Kim were born.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters and a brother : Stella Messer Gambrel, Chelise Messer Smith, Carrie Messer Rhymer, Troy Helen Messer Lorance, Rosa Messer Cox, John Abner Messer, Alice Messer Bingham,  Eupheney Messer and Amanda Messer.

Mr. Messer is survived by his loving family:  His wife:  Gertrude (Mills) Messer of Flat Lick.  His three children: Roderick Messer and wife, Dana of London, Pam Messer Williams and husband, John of Artemus, and Kim Messer of Lexington, Kentucky.  His six grandchildren: Jeb, Caleb, Will, Josh, Daniel and Lily.  His six great grandchildren: Mac, Robbie, Hannah, Ari, Mia and Eli; and many other relatives, and dear friends to mourn his passing.

Funeral Services for Mr. Robert  E. Messer, Jr. will be 1:00 P.M. Monday, July 2, 2018 in the Hopper Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. William Boyd Bingam III officiating.  Burial will follow in the Barbourville Cemetery with Military Honors by the DAV Chapter 158.

Those serving as Pallbearers will be: Jeb Messer, Will Messer, Josh Williams, Darryl Dean Bingham, Brent Bingham, Wendell Hammons, Rev. William R. "Mann" Cobb and  Greene Bingham.

Those serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be: Lily Messer,  Frank Bingham, Jimmy Sproule, Bige  Warren, Clay Harmon, Wilbur Bingham and Jay Roger Keck.

The Messer family will receive friends after 5:30 P.M. on Sunday at the Hopper Funeral Home, and on Monday after 12:00 noon and until the funeral hour.

In Lieu of Flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to: The Robert E. Messer, Jr. Scholarship Fund, P. O. Box 115, Flat Lick, Kentucky 40935 in Loving Memory of Mr. Messer.

Hopper Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.