Robert 'Gene' Messenger

Danville Robert E. Messenger, 88, of Danville, IL passed away at 3:05 pm on January 7, 2019 at his home.

Robert was born on October 16, 1930 the son of Bert Carl and Gladys (Holycross) Messenger. He married Donna Jean Moss in Danville, IL on December 30, 1950 and she survives.

Survivors include his wife; Donna Jean, two sons, Michael Messenger and Raymond Messenger both of Danville, IL; one daughter, Debra Hayes of Danville, IL; one sister, Beverly Jane Lucas of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, as well as thirteen grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and three great great-grandchildren.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Dale Messenger, two sisters, Verna Brock-Jones and Erma Louise Leverich, and one grandchild, Travis.

Robert served in the United States Navy from 1950 until 1954 and was a Butcher for the Kroger Grocery Store in Danville and Terra Haute for many years. He was an avid Illini and St Louis Cardinals Baseball fan and enjoyed watching professional football. Robert was very artistic and made several painted yard decorations, worked Jigsaw puzzles and Latch hook projects. He also enjoyed spending his freetime bowling which he bowled on a league for over fifteen years, camping and was a wonderful cook, especially his Stir Fry and Chop Suey.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 11, 2019 at Sunset Funeral Home, 3940 N. Vermilion Street Danville, IL. Miles Clark will officiate. Burial will be in Danville National Cemetery with Military Rites accorded by American Legion Post 210. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 10, 2019 from 5-7 PM at the funeral home

Memorials are requested to the Alzheimers Association.

Please join Roberts family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.