Samuel "Sam" Messer

Samuel “Sam” Messer, age 90, of Cairo, passed away October 26, 2022.  He was born to the union of Allen and Estella (Rolls) Messer, November 13, 1931 in Lincoln, NE.        Sam married Ethel Ellerbeck, November 5, 1950 and she preceded him in death August 8, 2021, also preceding him in death were his parents, and a brother Jerry Messer.

Sam is survived by his daughter, Sandra Messer, of Cairo grandson Brian Gates and his wife Peggy, great grandchildren Jasmine and Blake Gates, brothers David Messer of Moberly and Roger Messer of Jacksonville, a sister Wanda Luntsford, of Jacksonville, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  

Sam had served in the U S Navy prior to receiving a Honorable Discharge. After leaving the Navy, Sam and Ethel lived and worked their Cairo farm together for 70 years of marriage. The focal point of the farm was their dairy, Timber Ridge Guernsey’s. For over 60 years they exhibited their cattle at local, state, and national shows. At one point they were milking over 100 head of registered Guernsey’s.  In addition to the dairy they had a farrow to finish hog operation with 60 sows, a flock of 80 registered Hampshire sheep, and a large flock of commercial laying hens. In 1966 Sam went to artificial insemination school in Illinois. He was one of the first AI technicians in the state of Missouri. He traveled throughout most of northern Missouri to AI cows, sows, and goats for a multitude of people. He was very sought after for his ability to breed cattle and was still breeding up to 4 years ago. Sam also had 80 beef cows that he took great pride in. He was among the first people in the United States to begin using the “continental” bulls. He grew a beautiful herd of registered Maine Anjou cattle, one of the first in America. Sam was an active supporter of 4H. He was a 4H member, project leader, and club leader. In 2012 Sam and Ethel were inducted into the Missouri 4H hall of fame. He was very proud of his great grandkids being the 5th generation to be a part of the Neighborly Community 4H club that he started. He loved watching his daughter, grandson, and great grandkids showing all of their livestock.

Sam loved the outdoors. He was an avid deer and turkey hunter. He loved to spend time with family during deer season, telling stories and reliving past hunts. He enjoyed cutting wood to sell. There were many times that he would cut, split, stack, and sell 200 or more loads of wood throughout the year. He was still cutting wood well into his 80’s.  During the last 20 years Sam had a garden that he took great pride in. He loved growing everything except sweet corn, he didn’t like to feed the coons. His favorite part was sharing everything, especially his watermelons, with friends and family.

Words of comfort and support may be shared with the family Thursday, October 27, 2022, 4-6 pm, in the Cater Funeral Home.   Services honoring Sam’s life will be Friday, October 28, 2022, 10:30 AM, at the Cater Funeral Home Chapel.   Military Honors, committal prayer and burial will follow at the Felps Chapel Cemetery.