Leslie J. Messenger

Leslie J. "Les" Messenger, 65, died of a heart attack on Friday, September 26, 2014 while vacationing with family in Petoskey, MI. He was born May 30, 1949, in Toledo, OH, to Leslie L. and Patricia (Snell) Messenger. After attending Start High School, he entered the United States Army where he served in the Vietnam War as part of the 82nd and 101st Airborne. Upon his discharge, Les began his career as a Heat and Frost Insulator for Local 45, retiring in 2005 after 30 years on the job. Les was also very involved in youth activities throughout his life. He spent 25 years coaching the Whittier Wildcats Pee Wee League baseball team and was president and commissioner of the West Toledo Lightweight Football League. He was an avid sports fan, following the Michigan Wolverines, Detroit Tigers, and Detroit Lions. On June 25, 1971, he married Christine (Haupricht) Messenger; they were married for 43 years. Les loved Chris with "all his heart and three souls." Les was a devoted husband and father, but one of his proudest titles was that of "Papa." He spent countless hours attending sporting events, school activities, graduations, and various competitions to cheer on his grandkids. His grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Christine Messenger; children, Cari (Jerry Smart) Messenger, Misty (Dave) Mulligan and Bob (Kim) Messenger; grandchildren, Joey, Jeni, David, Emily, Robert, and Eric; brother, Larry (Pat) Messenger; sister, Rose (James) Baldwin; brothers-in-law, Ron (Judy) and Mark (Loretta) Haupricht; special canine friend, Penny, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary; brothers, Gordon and Charles.

The family will receive guests on Thursday from 2 – 7:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo (419-473-0300) with Funeral Services beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home followed by Military Honors performed by the Lucas County Burial Corp. Officiating will be Pastor Jerry Craig.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.