Daniel L. Messenger, 87, of Battle Creek, died Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. Dan was born July 20, 1938, in Battle Creek, the son of Burton H. and Grace A. (Henry) Messenger. He was a lifelong Battle Creek resident, attending Pennfield Schools, and then Batte Creek Central High School graduating in 1956. Dan also proudly served in the US Navy from 1957-1962 receiving an honorable discharge at the rank of AE2.
Dan was a master electrician, working at the Kellogg Company for 31 years, retiring as a supervisor in 1995. From 1995-98 he worked at Kendall Electric as a location manager.
On September 1, 1962, Dan married Joan K. McCann. She preceded him in death on March 23, 2003. Surviving are his sons, Brad Messenger, Bret Messenger, and Glen (Eden) Messenger.; grandchildren Sara and Katie Messenger, Benjamin and Nicholas Campbell, Lindsay Halsey and Hendrix Messenger. He is also survived by his brother Jerry Messenger and his sister Della McClain, sister-in-law Leslie Messenger, and brother-in-law Mike (Linda) McCann. In addition, he is survived by the nieces and nephew he helped raise, Kathy (Al) Barnhart, Robert Bonner, and Karey Unversaw and his many other nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews. He is also survived by his good friends, Patty Case, John Hanson, Reid and Kay Whicker, Dewey Haskins, John VanDorsten, Elmer Wolf, his buddies from the Deer Camp crew, and so many, many more.
In addition to his wife, Dan was preceded in death by his father, mother, stepfather, Clarence Schuckman, brother James Messenger, sister Judy Mackinder, brothers-in-law Dick Mackinder and Robert McCann, sisters-in-law Karen Messenger and Janet (McCann) Bonner and his daughter Cynthia (Messenger) Campbell.
The family will be at the Farley Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home on July 29th from 5-7 pm for the visitation. Interment with full military honors will be on July 30th at the Fort Custer National Cemetery. The processional line up will begin at the front entrance at 11:00 with the service at 11:30 am. Memorial contributions may be made in Dan’s name to the American Cancer Society, Gentiva Hospice, or the organization of your choice.
To leave a personal message for the family, please see www.farleyestesdowdle.com.
Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care
Fort Custer National Cemetery
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