Paul E. Messenger, Sr.
Omro, Wisconsin

Paul E. Messenger, Sr., age 79, of Omro, died Friday, May 20, 2011, at home with his family by his side. He was born May 31, 1931, in Madison, Ohio to the late Swan and Nellie (Jewell) Messenger. Paul grew up in Jefferson, Ohio, and became a hardworking person at a young age, plowing fields with horses at age 11. He earned a scholarship playing football at Ohio State University under Coach Woody Hayes. Paul unfortunately broke his ankle his freshman year, losing his scholarship, so he enlisted in the U. S. Navy, and served in the Korean War as a Plane Captain for the Military Air Transport Division of the Navy. After his service time, Paul moved to San Diego, California where he started his business (PEMCO) which was a large furniture and appliance store and then started (Paul's TV) where he sold and serviced TVs. Paul raised his six sons and several foster children. After retiring and moving to Wisconsin, Paul married Charlene Leaman on December 2, 1992. Paul and Charlene considered each other a gift from God, finding each other through answered prayer. Paul cared for his mother and step-uncle until 1999. He became a foster grandparent for the developmentally disabled at Winnebago Mental Health Institute. Paul had a wonderful sense of humor, showing his own grandchildren his false teeth and doing magic tricks. He loved the Lord and was very active in church. In Ohio, Paul served as a Lay Minister for the Episcopal Church, serving on the Bishop's Committee, and he had his own church as a Lay Minister in Jefferson, Ohio. He was currently a member of the Algoma Blvd. United Methodist Church in Oshkosh, where he was involved in the Men's Prayer Group, and had chaired the Staff Parish Relations Committee.
Paul was a devoted husband and father and will be missed by all. He is survived by his wife, Charlene Leaman-Messenger, of Omro; six sons, Paul "Butch" Edward (Leah) Messenger, Jeffery (Kathleen) Messenger, David (Becky) Messenger, Todd (fiancée, Cheryl) Messenger, Mark Messenger, all of San Diego, California, and Michael (Stacey) Messenger of Oshkosh; Grandchildren: Josh (Nancy) Messenger, Dannell (Josh)Messenger, Stephanie (Josh) Byrd, Paul Messenger, Shane (Kim) Messenger, Kelsey Messenger, Kaylee Messenger, Tanya & John, Trevor Messenger, Shelby Messenger. Great-grandchildren: Crystal, Markos, Xochilt, Natasha and Isabella. He is also survived by his younger brother, Richard (June) Messenger, of Florida; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Along with his parents, Paul was also preceded in death by one brother, Willis Messenger; and his step-father Wesley Chapin, both of Ohio.
Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, June 2, 2011, at 11:00 AM at the Algoma Blvd. United Methodist Church, 1174 Algoma Blvd. Oshkosh, with Pastor Barry Yarbro officiating. Military honors will follow. Inurnment will be in Lake View Memorial Park, Oshkosh. A Visitation for family and friends will be on Thursday, June 2 at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Lunch to follow.
Paul's family wishes to thank the staffs of Vince Lombardi Cancer Center in Oshkosh and Aurora VNA Hospice for all of the love and care given to him.

Mueller Funeral Home
904 E. Main St.
Winneconne, WI.54986
(920) 582-4242
Please submit online condolences to
www.muellerfuneralhomeinc.com