Tributes
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 Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, July 17 at St. Timothy Catholic Roman Church 10272 US-42, Union, KY 4109 at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to the hour of mass. A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 1:00-3:00 pm.m at the Linnemann Event Center 1940 Burlington Pike Burlington, KY 41005. 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.
St. Timothy Church – Union, KY
10272 US 42Union KY 41091
Phone: (859) 384-1100
Latonia KY
Phone: (859) 384-1100
Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North
Address: 205 Eibeck Lane WILLIAMSTOWN, KY 41097Linnemann Event Center
1940 Burlington PikeBURLINGTON, KY 41005
Celebration Of Life
Much more than a co-worker.
I considered Jerry my best friend in life even though we were separated in distance for the last 29 years. He had a profound influence on my life and changed it for the better. That was the person he was. We worked together for 16 years and when life moved us apart my greatest regret was no longer being able to work side by side with a truly remarkable human being. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his wonderful family. Jerry will always be remembered and missed.
LOVE
A simple word expresses his life and his relationship to others. He loved well and was well loved. He left an impact on all in his circle and a million happy memories stay with us.
Condolences to the family
Mr Messer was such a kind man in my childhood while getting to spend time with his daughter Bridget. I appreciate that kindness so much and want to let Bridget and Mrs Messer know that I will be thinking about them during this time of grief.
Prayers
Jerry and I were great friends at Lone Jack High School. an awesome person. liked by everyone.my prayers and condolences to his family
Cousin this saddens my heart. I have so many found memories of Jerry when we would visit family in KY. I know he was such a great story teller and new so much of the Messer history. He will be greatly missed. Will be praying for his beloved wife and family. Expecting to see him soon at the wedding table.
S
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