Leighman Messer, age 75, of Manchester, Kentucky moved to his heavenly home on Saturday, April 27, 2024. He was born on Friday, April 22, 1949, in Jeff’s Creek, Kentucky to Robert and Daisy Messer. He was united in marriage to Vernice Grubb on June 8, 1969. They were blessed with three children, Michelle, Todd and Crystal. Leighman was a member of the Hubbard Missionary Baptist Church and an ordained Deacon for over 50 years. In addition to being choir leader at church, he was part of the Missionary Quartet singing along with his wife, Vernice, his brother Eugene, and his wife Alphie. Later, he continued to travel singing praises to the Lord as the Messer Family with Vernice, Michelle, Crystal, and son-in-law, Dean.
Leighman was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Daisy Messer, the following brothers and sisters: Leon Messer, Thena Kirby, Eugene Messer, Estill Messer, and Otto Messer, his mother-in-law, Helen Grubb, her sister, Wanda Ruth Grubb, brothers-in-law, Delbert Grubb and Walter Smith, one sister-in-law, Colleen Grubb and the following nephews: Danny Messer, Randy Smith, and Dallas Messer.
Leighman leaves to mourn his passing, his wife, Vernice Messer, their children, Michelle Howard and husband, Dean, Todd Messer and wife, Amanda, Crystal Messer-McQueen and husband, Travis. Along with Lowell Grubb, who was a young child when he and Vernice were married. His grandchildren: Colby Howard, Kaiden McQueen, Landon Howard, Aubrie Messer, Lexi Messer, Lucas McQueen, Courtney Hoskins, and Madilynn Hoskins. He is also survived by one brother, Flem Messer and wife Tina, two sisters, Betty Parks and husband, Charles, Quada Trobaugh and husband, Eugene, along with the following sister in laws: Bobbie Messer, Creasie Messer, and Alphie Messer.
Leighman was in the finance business for more than forty years, managing offices in Corbin, London, and Manchester for Kentucky Finance, Associates, and Central Financial Services. Through his business leadership, his offices were amongst the leaders in multiple categories state and nationally. In addition, through his leadership and community work, the Goose Rock and Bright Shade area has seen many improvements including a walking park, water expansion, and road and bridge work to name a few. He was also a founding member and Treasurer of the Bright Shade Volunteer Fire Department.
In addition, Leighman loved sports. He was an active basketball official for 27 years, calling multiple regionals championship games, All A State Tournaments, and the girls State Tournament. Likewise, he loved coaching and mentoring kids. He made a lifelong impact through his coaching on hundreds of kids through the years. Not only did he teach them sports specific lessons, but he also never failed to tell them about his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He coached football with his son, Todd, at Horse Creek Elementary, Girls and Boys Basketball at Horse Creek Elementary with his son and daughters, Michelle and Crystal, boys basketball at Paces Creek Elementary, coached his grandsons in AAU basketball, he was an assistant basketball coach at Clay County High School, and finally coached basketball alongside his son for 16 Years at Clinton County High School.
Pop, as he was fondly referred to by his grandchildren, found his greatest enjoyment in them. He loved each one of them dearly and was a mainstay at all their sports and activities. He spoke to each of them almost daily and was constantly tracking them on Life 360. Through his sickness, his grandchildren were the driving force behind his fight. They gave him total joy.
While he will be greatly missed, we find peace in knowing that he is now in the presence of the Lord, enjoying all the good things that God has instore for his children, reunited with family and friends who have gone on before.
Funeral Services for Leighman Messer will be conducted on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 11 AM at the Rominger Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Tim Phipps, Rev. Charles Carnes and Rev. Golden Smith will be presiding. Burial will follow in the Manchester Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends and loved ones on Thursday evening after 6:30 PM at the Rominger Funeral Home Chapel.
