Ernest William Messex Sr.
Ernest William Messex Sr., 73, of Bourbon, Mo., passed away Thursday, March 3, 2022 at Missouri Baptist Hospital – St. Louis.
Ernest was born in Richwoods, Mo., on November 5, 1948, to the late Joseph William and Blanche Lucille (Declue) Messex. He grew up and attended school in Richwoods and Potosi. Ernest honorably served his country, in the United States Army, in Vietnam, from February 25, 1969 to December 22, 1970.
Ernest was united in marriage to Barbara Jean Kerbel on November 6, 1971, and they were blessed with six children: Ernest Jr., Matthew, Angela, Jessica, Bradley and Melissa. This past November, Ernest and Barbara celebrated 50 years together. Ernest was a long-time employee of Silica Sand, where he was a heavy equipment mechanic. After 30 plus years with the company, he retired in 2013.
Ernest loved to take vacations and traveled to Branson regularly. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially mushrooms. He loved his grandchildren dearly and enjoyed spending time with them. They were the joy of his life. Ernest was a Christian man and attended Bourbon Freewill Baptist Church.
Ernest is survived by his wife, Barbara Messex of Bourbon, Mo.; six children: Ernest Messex Jr. and wife Martina of Bourbon, Mo., Matthew Messex and wife Jennifer of Bourbon, Mo., Angela Neff and husband Benjamin of Sullivan, Mo., Jessica Rice of Bourbon, Mo., Bradley Messex of St. Clair, Mo., and Melissa Missey and partner Josiah Bowser of Bourbon, Mo.; sixteen grandchildren: Everett, Coraline and Elizabeth Messex, Madyson, Braylee, Tuff and Millie Messex, Kayla, Nicholas and Kyle Wilkinson, Dominique, Demetrius and Tyler Rice, Leila, Hailee and Serynadee Missey; one great-grandchild, Maddilliene Montgomery, and one on the way; one brother, Fred Declue and wife Jan of Ditmer, Mo.; one sister, Linda Courtway and husband Paul of Sullivan, Mo.; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Blanche Messex; and two brothers, Joseph Declue and Rickey Messex.
Funeral services were 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at Calvary Baptist Church in Bourbon, with Pastors John Hanson and John Whitehead officiating. Interment followed in Bourbon Cemetery with full military honors.
Visitation was held from 9 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, prior to the service at Calvary Baptist Church.
Online condolences may be shared with Ernest’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.