Services for Joel “Joey” Rufus Messer, 82, of Greenwell Springs, La., who died Saturday, April 14, 2007, at his home, will be 11 a.m. Friday at Seale Funeral Service, Inc. with the Revs. David Jenkins and Donald Bryan officiating.

A graveside service will be held at 4 p.m. at Morgantown Cemetery, in Morgantown, under the direction of Seale Funeral Home, Inc., Denham Springs.

Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. until service time Friday at the funeral home.

Mr. Messer served and defended his country with the U.S. Army during World War II and reenlisted with the U.S. Air Force, totaling over 23 years. He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Deloria Jeanette Morgan Messer; parents, William Rufus Messer and Florence Rollins Messer; grandson, Frankie Connors; and two sisters.

Survivors include his daughters, Beckey Messer Hedglin and Jennifer Connors and husband, Frank; his son, Rick Messer and wife, Charlotte; grandchildren, Jonathan Messer, Danny and Chris Hedglin and Kayli Connors; great-grandchildren, Bryce and Alyssa Messer, Lauren and Meghan Hedglin; brother, Luther Messer; and a very close family friend, Tiffanie Stewart.

His family and friends will miss him dearly.