Obituary of Richard F. Messier

"Palmer-Richard Francis Messier, 73, of South Main St. joined his beloved wife on May 2, 2007. Born April 25, 1934 in Ware, MA he was the son of the late George W. Messier and Ella (Deslaurier) Messier. Richard served his country in the U.S. Air Force in Korea and was the past commander of The Disabled American Veterans Chapter 59 along with the V.F.W of Ware. He was also a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 405 and the American Legion. Richard was a recipient of Citizen of the Year for his participation in Operation Desert Storm gift lift and received the 823 Campaign Badge of Honor from the government of Taiwan. His beloved wife Janet (Walker) Messier of 52 years, passed away on March 26, 2007. Richard was also predeceased by his son Paul in 1981. He leaves his children Susan and her husband Paul Smith, Richard and his wife Cheryl Messier, Michael and his wife Claudia Messier all of Palmer, and Denise Courchesne of Ware. Richard is also survived by 9 grandchildren, Paul Jr., Nathaniel, Rachel, Deidre, Tracy, Timothy, Joshua, Marc Jr., and Eric as well as great grandchildren Sierra, Matthew, Anthony, Derrick, Alyssa, and Ariana. Richard will be missed by his sisters, Ethel Clapp of Holyoke, and Jean Fiske of Brookfield along with his faithful companion Twilight. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 9:15 a.m. from Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home followed by a mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. St. Thomas Church. Burial with military honors will be in the Parish Cemetery. Visitation and pictorial tribute will be Friday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. For those wishing, donations may be made in his memory to a Veterans organization. "