Obituaries

W. “Neil” Messenger, 79, of Clarksburg, WV left his earthly body, walking faithfully into the open arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and was reunited with his parents and brother on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the Charleston Area Medical Center.

Neil was born and raised on Sycamore Road, Clarksburg on February 28, 1946, the youngest child of Russell B. and E. Mae Messenger, where he lived his entire life.

On December 18, 1970, Neil married the love of his life, his companion and soul mate, Esther Mae (Sions) Messenger, who survives him. The two celebrated 54 years of happiness that included three sons, Russell F. (Rusty) Messenger (Kristina), Edgar N. (Eddie) Messenger and Daniel W. (Danny) Messenger (Mary Beth), all of whom survive. Leaving behind to cherish his memory are seven grandchildren, Cory Messenger(Cheyenne), Emily Childers(Tyler), Avery Messenger, Julia Messenger, Alyssa Messenger, Bryce Messenger and Owen Messenger. In recent years, his two greatest treasures were his great-grandsons, Paxton Tyler and Bentley Franklin Childers. Also surviving is a large extended family made up of brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and cousins. His family adored him and are devastated by his passing.

Also surviving are one sister, Josephine “Kay” Gibson, and dear brother in law, Rockie of Good Hope.

In addition to his parents, Neil was preceded in death by one brother and sister-in-law, Donzel and Diane Messenger, Minerva, OH.

Neil worked for Clean Textile Systems, formerly Mountain State Linen, for 18 years, where he had been promoted to Route Supervisor, prior to being involved in a hunting accident in 1987.

The hunting accident didn’t slow him down. Along with his beloved wife, Neil was a fixture at local and state sporting events. In 1997 they became the volleyball coaches at Washington Irving Middle School where they built the program from the ground up, into a championship-winning program. Along the way, they created the Hilltopper Classic, which continues to draw teams from all over the state to test their skills against the Hilltoppers. Through these endeavors, Neil impacted the lives of thousands of youth from across the region and state. Neil also coached or assisted coaching softball at Robert C. Byrd HS and WIMS and basketball at WIMS, creating an even broader stroke of positive impact in the lives of all he encountered. Neil was the Co-Director of the WV State Volleyball tournament for several years. He also assisted with the State Swim meet for several years. For the past 15 seasons, he was also a certified volleyball official.

If not at a sporting event, many could catch him in a yard across the county, caring for someone’s landscaping when they couldn’t do it themselves. Neil took great pride in the many yards he was able to maintain to perfection for his clients. We are comforted that he had nothing but fields of green grass awaiting him in heaven.

Neil was a man of faith. Having been a member of the church he helped build, Neil attended Sycamore Community Church, where he and Esther raised their boys to be believers in Christ as well. This was “his” church, where he cared for every aspect of its existence.

Neil was a lover of life. He loved deeply, lived passionately and always wanted to be outdoors. His greatest accomplishments in life were his family and the relationship he had with them. Spending time with his boys, grandchildren and great-grandchildren at Holly River State Park were many of his favorite times.

Family and friends may call at the Amos Carvelli Funeral Home, 201 Edison St, Nutter Fort on Saturday, March 15 from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Sunday, March 16 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm where funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm. Interment will be on Monday, March 17, 2025 at 10:30 am at the Messenger Cemetery located in Gilmer County. All are welcome to join the family as they take him to his final resting place.

In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions be made to the Sycamore Community Church, 1578 Sycamore Rd, Clarksburg, WV 26301, in honor of Neil.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.amoscarvelli.com. A service of Amos Carvelli Funeral Home.