Jerald “Jerry” Messer

Jerald “Jerry” Malone Messer, 80, passed away peacefully at his home in Florence, Kentucky on Monday, June 29, 2026. He was born in Pineville, Kentucky on November 16, 1945, to the late Allen B. Messer and Ingred Warren Messer.

Jerry grew up in Pineville, Kentucky before attending Eastern Kentucky University where he met his wife, Eileen, and obtained a master’s degree in Law Enforcement. He proudly served in the United States Air Force as a K-9 security officer, alongside his favorite canine, Nick.  He made civil service his career and was a Federal Agent in the United States Secret Service and Special Agent for the Office of Inspector General. Always a fan of a gathering, he was an active member of a variety of organizations including the Fraternal Order of Police, Sierra Club, and Sons of the American Revolution. His faith deepened in his adult years, and Jerry was a member of St. Timothy Catholic Church in Union. He was a prolific storyteller, an avid cycler and kayaker, and was profoundly proud of and devoted to his family.  He epitomized working hard and loving harder.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Ingred; brother, Franklin; nephew, Kirby and niece, Tasha.

Those left here to carry on his loving legacy are his best friend and wife of 55 years, Eileen; sons, Jerald Allen (Christi) Messer, Neal Anthony (Lara) Messer; daughter, Bridget Messer (Andy) Goetz; seven adored grandchildren, Courtney Messer, Matthew Messer, Anderson Goetz, Abby Goetz, Ben Goetz, Alex Goetz, Nicholas Messer; brother, Donald Lee (Sandra) Messer; sister, Lonnie Sue Cadwell; many other extended family members and lots of close friends.

A service with visitation and burial will be held on Friday, July 17 (details to follow) and a celebration of life on Saturday, July 18 (details to follow). Jerry will be laid to rest at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North in Williamstown, Kentucky with full military honors rendered.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in Jerry’s name to a charity of the donor’s choice.