Paul Messersmith
d. November 1, 2018
Paul Messersmith, age 61, of Petersburg, passed away on Thursday, November 1, 2018.
Paul was born on August 25, 1957 the son of Wilbur D. and Velda Hayden Messersmith.
He is survived by his life partner, Sharon, mother, Velda Plopper of Athens, two daughters, Angela Drake (James Jenkins) and Alicia Drake (Josh Claussen), one son, Richard (Cassie) Drake IV; two sisters, Sandra (Larry) Massey, Kathy (Tom) Mileham; one brother, Kurt Messersmith; thirteen grandchildren; seven great – grandchildren; as well as one nephew, Adam (Bridget) Rebbe; one niece, Peggy (Kyle) Windisch; as well as many friends.
Paul is preceded in death by his father, Wilbur; stepfather, Maurice Plopper; grandparents, Joe and Sylvia Hayden and Edward and Charlotte Messersmith.
He was employed by the United States Postal Service for 20 years. Previously he worked for Dunbar Towing, Road District #4 and drove for Kimmerling Trucking. Paul enjoyed the grandchildren and great grandchildren and babysat often. He enjoyed playing cards with his friends, doing demo derbies, working on cars and Sudoku puzzles, 6 Flags vacations, helping friends and family, telling jokes and stories and was especially proud of his job at the post office and getting one of the first new trucks for his route. Paul never knew a stranger and was very well liked and will definitely be missed by all of those he touched in his life.
Visitation for Paul will be held on Monday, November 5, 2018 from 5-8 PM at Mott & Henning Funeral Home. Services will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at 10 AM at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens, IL.
Burial will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Petersburg.
Rev. Ron Ferricks will be officiating.
Memorials can be given to “Petersburg Food Pantry” or “Menard County Animal Control.”
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Posted November 2nd, 2018 at 1:47 pm
I am so sorry for your loss, Paul was a wonderful person, he had been our mailman for a long time with the Secretary of State, he would come in my office and tell me stories of his grandkids, what a joy you were to him, he would tell me all about Six Flags and the love in his eyes when he talked about Sharon, and all the kids, we would trade stories about gardens and the issues we had, he hasn’t been our mailman for a while but he was never far from my mind, when I would see a Postal Truck I would try to see if he was driving, I truly am sorry, I know how much he loved everyone, this will be felt for a long time to come. Please let God wrap you in his glory and ease your pain, many blessings.
Posted November 2nd, 2018 at 5:35 pm
So sorry for your lost.Paul will be sadly missed by all. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Your cousin.
Posted November 2nd, 2018 at 7:17 pm
Sharon, so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing, thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Posted November 2nd, 2018 at 7:23 pm
Godspeed my friend. Your route is over. God Bless.
George Burch USPS
Posted November 2nd, 2018 at 8:50 pm
I am so saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. Please accept our condolences and prayers. My fondest memory of Paul is when he was little, when asked how to spell his name, he would reply “ P A Me L”.
Posted November 2nd, 2018 at 10:55 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with Paul’s family at this time.
Posted November 3rd, 2018 at 10:41 am
We are truly so sorry for your loss . Paul was a ray of sunshine when he walked into work everyday.We will miss him so very much and especially his jokes. He sure could brighten your day if you were having a bad one . There has been so many people at work having conversations about how much they will miss him and his love of people. He always made sure he said goodbye everyday and he would see tomorrow. We were the lucky ones and got to speak with him on a daily basis .Our lives have changed forever now. We love and miss you Paul.
Posted November 3rd, 2018 at 4:12 pm
Paul was a wonderful man. My deepest sympathy for all of Paul’s family. He will be missed.
Posted November 4th, 2018 at 7:36 am
While I worked at the post office, you always said hello, had the warmest of smiles and willing to have a chat. Rest in peace.
Posted November 4th, 2018 at 3:04 pm
Sharon, I’m so very sorry to learn of your family’s sudden loss. May you all somehow try to find peace & comfort in happy memories of Paul, during these difficult days ahead!
You’ll be in my thoughts & prayers. 🙏🏻
Posted November 4th, 2018 at 5:07 pm
Paul your time on this earth was cut short but you will always be forever in my heart. I was so proud of you and the wonderful man you were. Your jokes and stories will be passed down to family over the years. Remember teaching you how to spell your name and you would say “PAmeL” and we would say no it’s PAUL and you would come back with it’s not U its ME. Some friends called you Wally. You left so many wonderful memories that all of us will remember forever. You had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone and never wanted anything for yourself so much like your Grandpa Joe Hayden. You had so much love, compassion, patience, and knowledge on a list of topics. Seeing the messages people are posting is showing you touched many lives and that gives me comfort. Love, Mom
Posted November 4th, 2018 at 7:05 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. Paul was my truck driver downtown for so long and I am going to miss him so much. He was such a great guy and always willing to help you out no matter what. RIP Paul. I’m gonna miss you man…
Posted November 5th, 2018 at 4:07 pm
Paul you will be missed at the reunions. Your smiles and jokes was so much enjoyed . God has taken another wonderful person home. I no you and my dad, brother are making heaven filled with joy. Prayers to the families.
Posted November 6th, 2018 at 9:56 pm
I love you grandpa and I miss you so but I hope that you had a good life and I know that you love us all and you don’t have to suffer anymore I love you so much
Posted November 7th, 2018 at 5:02 am
Velda, Kurt and Sandy, I am so so sorry for the lose of Paul. He was a great guy. It’s so heartbreaking. Love, Linda Jo.
Posted November 15th, 2018 at 2:33 pm
I knew Paul from working at the Post Office , never heard him complain , or saw him get angry . Always seemed to be in a good mood. I live on his route to the North Annex, and if he saw me , he would tap his horn and wave . I will miss that . Condolences to the Family .