In Memory Of
William Dean Messer, M.D.
1955
2022
William Dean Messer, M.D.
February 13, 1955 — March 22, 2022
What you choose to do with your dash…
Dr. Messer had 67 years to fill his dash and did so with love and compassion. William "Bill" Messer was born in Dayton, Ohio, to parents Raymond Woodrow and Nannie Dean Messer and joined his older brother Wendell, who all precede him in death. He went through the Trotwood school system and graduated with honors, then proceeded to the University of Dayton for one year before transferring to Wright State University to finish his bachelor's degree. During this time, he joined Riverdale Wesleyan Church and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior—never looking back.
In this same period, he met his wife, Bertha Johnson, whom he was married to for 47 years. Shortly after marrying, he received the call to ministry and enrolled in seminary for two years. During this time, he had two children—Melanie and Nathan. As an aspiring pastor, he served a church in Indiana, and then felt called to another form of ministry—healthcare—which brought him and his young family back to Dayton to attend Wright State Medical School. His third child, Jennifer, was born early in his medical career, which spanned 31 years across many parts of Ohio, and he was highly respected by his peers. He ended his career working for Visiting Physicians Associates, where he cared for a multitude of patients in the Dayton area. He was caring, thorough, patient, and personable with everyone he cared for.
His faith was an integral part of his life, through his family, his various ministries and his everyday life. He was a long-time member of Fairview United Methodist Church.
Bill is survived by his wife, Bertha; three children and 12 grandchildren—Melanie Custon—Marcus (Diamond) Messer-Murphy; Jazmine (Dylan) Moran; Jaeda Custon, Luke Johnson, and David Custon, Nathan (Kim) Messer—Kayla, Marie and Lydia; and Jennifer Messer—Brooklynn and Joseph Messer; one great grandson (Dominic Moran), and numerous friends, family and patients who love him and were loved by him in return.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's memory to the Christmas Store Ministries (checks payable to the Fairview United Methodist Church or online at www.FairviewUnitedMethodist.org).
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 from 9:30 am -10:30 am at Fairview United Methodist Church, 828 West Fairview Ave., Dayton, OH 45406.
To share a memory of Bill or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
Dr. Messer had 67 years to fill his dash and did so with love and compassion. William "Bill" Messer was born in Dayton, Ohio, to parents Raymond Woodrow and Nannie Dean Messer and joined his older brother Wendell, who all precede him in death. He went through the Trotwood school system and graduated with honors, then proceeded to the University of Dayton for one year before transferring to Wright State University to finish his bachelor's degree. During this time, he joined Riverdale Wesleyan Church and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior—never looking back.
In this same period, he met his wife, Bertha Johnson, whom he was married to for 47 years. Shortly after marrying, he received the call to ministry and enrolled in seminary for two years. During this time, he had two children—Melanie and Nathan. As an aspiring pastor, he served a church in Indiana, and then felt called to another form of ministry—healthcare—which brought him and his young family back to Dayton to attend Wright State Medical School. His third child, Jennifer, was born early in his medical career, which spanned 31 years across many parts of Ohio, and he was highly respected by his peers. He ended his career working for Visiting Physicians Associates, where he cared for a multitude of patients in the Dayton area. He was caring, thorough, patient, and personable with everyone he cared for.
His faith was an integral part of his life, through his family, his various ministries and his everyday life. He was a long-time member of Fairview United Methodist Church.
Bill is survived by his wife, Bertha; three children and 12 grandchildren—Melanie Custon—Marcus (Diamond) Messer-Murphy; Jazmine (Dylan) Moran; Jaeda Custon, Luke Johnson, and David Custon, Nathan (Kim) Messer—Kayla, Marie and Lydia; and Jennifer Messer—Brooklynn and Joseph Messer; one great grandson (Dominic Moran), and numerous friends, family and patients who love him and were loved by him in return.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's memory to the Christmas Store Ministries (checks payable to the Fairview United Methodist Church or online at www.FairviewUnitedMethodist.org).
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 from 9:30 am -10:30 am at Fairview United Methodist Church, 828 West Fairview Ave., Dayton, OH 45406.
To share a memory of Bill or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William Dean Messer, M.D., please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Memorial Service
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Starts at 9:30 am (Eastern time)
Fairview United Methodist Church
Guestbook
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