OBITUARIES
Joe Edward Messer, Sr., age 86 years, a resident of Parsons, WV, passed away Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at the WV Caring Hospice Center in Elkins. He was born July 10, 1939 at Seebert, WV a son of the late Henry Messer and the late Carmen Daniels Messer. On August 23, 1963 at Oakland, MD he was married to Barbara Jean Roberts who survives in Parsons. Also surviving are one son, Joe E. Messer, Jr and wife Sonya of Montrose; one daughter, Tina Gale Primavero, Parsons, WV; a brother, Henry S. “June” Messer and wife Nancy of Gilman; two sisters, Carol Ann Fansler of Elkins and Karen June Arbogast of Gilman. Also surviving are grandchildren, Crystal Shoemake and Jimmy, Laura Jones, Tessi Arbogast and Corey, John Henry Messer and Samantha, Chelsi Demastes and Thomas, Hailee Primavero, Jeb Primavero and Tiffany and grand dog Abby; great grandchildren, Anna, Nina, Michael, Briar, Thorn, Pepper, Brady, Bria, Archer, Hudson, Weston, Karter and Kade and a special great nephew Matthew Thornhill and best friend Clyde Wilson. Also preceding him in death were brothers Charles Thornhill, Sr and Jack Messer and a sister Janet Westrope. Joe attended the schools of Randolph County and was a graduate of Elkins High School with the Class of 1957. He was a Veteran of the United States Army and was employed in the Power Construction Industry working as a Journeyman Lineman and Foreman having retired from the Forest Construction (Penn Line) prior to his retirement. Joe was a member of the Orlena Global Methodist Church. He was a gardener and an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting and fishing. Friends may call from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm Monday, May 18, 2026 at the Tomblyn Funeral Home in Elkins. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, May 19th from the funeral home chapel with Rev. Richard Funk and Rev. Paul Thompson officiating. Interment will follow in the Gilman Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded at the gravesite by members of the West Virginia National Guard Honor Guard Program, H.W. Daniels Post 29 American Legion and Tygart Valley Post 3647 Veterans of Foreign Wars. The family request contributions be made to the West Virginia Caring Hospice Center, 169 Diamond St., Elkins, WV 26241 in memory of Joe. The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Joe Edward Messer, Sr. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.
