Rodney Lee Messer

Rodney L. Messer, 52, of Spencer, died Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at home. Born on January 5, 1966 in Elyria, he was the son of Howard and Sylvia (nee Blankenship) Messer. Rodney was a 1985 graduate of Keystone High School and the Lorain County JVS where he studied diesel mechanics.

Since childhood Rodney dreamed of being a truck driver, he drove for Mac Industries and most recently for New England Motor Freight. He also worked on his family farm serving as his father's right hand man. Rodney loved time spent outdoors enjoying activities like 4-wheeling and hunting. He spent many hours working on cars and rebuilding engines. Rodney was a dedicated Cleveland Browns fan and also enjoyed studying history. A loyal and dedicated friend, he will be remembered by those who knew him as fearless, big hearted, and a dreamer. Rodney had an exuberant and grandiose personality that was almost bigger than life.

Survivors include his Son Michael James (Sarah Tomski) Messer of Brunswick; parents Howard and Sylvia Messer, of Wellington; grandchildren Sofia, Alana, and Briana whose birth is expected in May; Fiancée Jennifer Sheffield; sisters Sandra Sjoquist, of Wilmington, Donna Smith and Judi Hanmer, both of LaGrange, and Cathy Barnhouse, of Wellington; and his best friend and sidekick Danny Nelson. Rodney was preceded in death by his sister, Janet Jones in 2009, and brother, David Messer in 2017.

Friends and family will be received on Saturday, April 14, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of LaGrange, 200 Church St, LaGrange, 44050, with services beginning at 12:30 p.m., Rev. Freddie Ray will officiate and burial will follow at River Road Cemetery in LaGrange. Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be shared online at www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com.

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