Wilburn “Will” Messer, 76, of Benton, Kentucky, passed away on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Mercy Health Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, Kentucky.
Will was a Licensed Practical Nurse and a Chemist Assistant. He also proudly served his country with honor, receiving a Purple Heart medal while serving as a United States Marine. He was a Bluegrass man, and his talent extended to playing all stringed instruments. Not only could he play music, but he could also sing, and he exhibited both qualities while in a band he and his friends formed called Bluegrass Reflections. Will also had a passion for training dogs. He trained with different breeds throughout his life, but ended up favoring field training beagles.
He is survived by his wife of seventeen years, Elizabath “Libby” Messer; two sons, John Messer of Alabama and Jason Messer of Murray, Kentucky; two stepsons, Brandon Engler (Tera) of Dexter, Missouri, and Silas Traylor (Maddie) of Calvert City, Kentucky; one sister, Minnie Pearl O’Hara; and six grandchildren, Mason Messer, Olivia Messer, Briley Engler, Gwen Engler, Samuel Traylor, and Abigail Traylor.
He was preceded in death by three sisters, Emma Jean Davis, Betty Sue Johnson, and Lucille Powers Messer Thacker; seven brothers, Abraham Messer, Emanuel Messer, John Henry Messer, Babe Messer, Willie Messer, McArthur Messer, and Thomas Messer; and his parents, John D. and Lula Lowe Messer.
Visitation will be from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann, 1003 Poplar Street, Benton, KY 42025.
A memorial service will be held at 3:30 PM on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit Will’s Tribute Wall at www.filbeckandcann.com
