On Sept. 17, 2018, Richard, known to those close to him as Dick, passed away from multiple complications of AML cancer treatments, at UWMC/SCCA, with his family at his bedside.
Born in Akron, Ohio, retired Master Sgt. Richard H. Messner Jr. served 26 years in the Air Force. Richard was married to his Coupeville High School sweetheart, Dian (Chinnock), for 53 years at the time of his passing. Together they have three children, Todd Messner (Burien), Tamara (Messner) Rauscher (Burien/Federal Way), and Tracie (Messner) Rauscher and her husband, Scott Rauscher (Medical Lake).
He was preceded in death by father Richard H. Messner Sr., mother Lillian (Major), and father and mother in-law Robert and Beverly Chinnock. Survived by sisters Billie Reed (David) and Reggie Vanderpool (Ray), and brothers Paul (Marilyn)Richard K. (Tonya), and Hal. Richard has four grandchildren: Damon, Dakota, Andrew and Sarah, and two great-grandchildren: Marie and Natalie, all whom he loved, protected, and enjoyed immensely. As well as many, many adored nieces and nephews, scattered throughout the U.S.
Richard was an avid reader and thoroughly enjoyed using KCLS. He loved cheering on his grandsons in their Special Olympics events. For at least 15 years he was very active in his regional model car club, Puget Sound Model Association, and loved going to his annual Good Guys shows. Throughout his life he was a passionate photographer.
During his military career, he was both a medic and photographer. In his civilian life he was a hobby photographer and won awards for car magazine, model car magazine, and Pinhole Photography Day entries. He always enjoyed listening to music, going to concerts and movies, and living in the beautiful state of Washington, which he retired to in 1990 and always considered his home.
Richard’s remains will be interred at Tahoma Nation-al Cemetery. Services to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to leukemia research, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Washington State Special Olympics, or a charity of your choice.
