Robert “Bob” Messer, 87, Indianapolis, formerly of North Manchester, Indiana, passed away on July 17, 2023, at the American Village in Indianapolis. The son of Harry and Louise M. (Auker) Messer and brother to Jack R. Messer, Bob was born in Wabash on April 13, 1936.
After graduating from Chester High School in 1954, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he proudly served his country for four years before being honorably discharged. After returning home he worked at Messer Greenhouse in North Manchester while attending Manchester College, where he earned a degree in mathematics. Bob then went on to obtain a master’s degree in business from Butler University.
Bob worked in various engineering and quality control positions over the course of his career in Indianapolis. He started at Easerline and then RCA, which was later purchased by Thompson Electronics. Bob mainly worked with televisions, videocassette recorders, and disc players, traveling around the world to places such as Taiwan and Korea to manage the quality of production.
Though Bob had not lived in the area for sixty years, he still considered North Manchester home and held memberships at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and Masonic Deming Lodge #88. While living in Indianapolis, he attended Tabernacle Presbyterian Church. Bob had a deep passion for airplanes and loved to travel with his friends to airshows in OshKosh, Wisconsin, every year. He hopped the jump seat to be a “tag along” passenger on many of Dr. Kline’s Mercy Flights. Bob also enjoyed model trains, photography, and bicycling.
The loving memory of Robert “Bob” Messer will be forever cherished by his nieces, Sally Bales, Warsaw, and Nancy Messer, North Manchester; one nephew, Joe (Robin) Messer, North Manchester; great nieces and nephews, Katy (Dustin) Bales Burgan, Ella Bales, Jack Messer, Audrey (Adam) Messer Schnelker, and Ross Messer. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and brother and sister-in-law, Jack R. and Carol Jean Messer.
A memorial service to celebrate Robert “Bob” Messer’s life will be held Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, 418 East 34th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, with Pastor John Gable officiating. A private graveside service will be held at a later date at Oaklawn Cemetery, 600 Beckley Street, North Manchester, Indiana.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Robert “Bob” Messer, memorial contributions may be made to Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, 418 East 34th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46205 or Warbird and Classic Alliance, 65515 Miami Road, Bremen, Indiana 46506.
The family of Robert “Bob” Messer has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.