Craig Howard Messner

Craig Howard Messner, age 75, of Texarkana, AR, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 surrounded by his beloved family. Craig was born November 10, 1942 in Akron, OH to Howard and Gertrude Messner. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. While serving as an M.P. in the Army, he met and married the love of his life, Ramona Pliester on December 4, 1967, and, together, they had two daughters, whom he adored. The Messner family lived in Ohio until 1978 when they moved to Lewisville, TX. In 2005, Craig and Ramona moved to East Texas to be closer to their daughters. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Texarkana, TX. Craig and Ramona enjoyed many hours volunteering at Rebecca's Pantry at Westside Baptist Church, Atlanta Memorial Hospital, and the food pantry at First Baptist Church in Atlanta,TX. Craig retired from Overland Bolling Company of Dallas, TX. He was a member of several shooting clubs as well as a lifetime member of the Dallas Arms Collectors and the NRA. In his free time, Craig enjoyed hunting and fishing, winning several fishing tournaments, but his favorite pastime was reloading bullets. Craig was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Ramona Messner, of Texarkana, AR; Two daughters, Carol Plyler and husband Brad of Texarkana, AR and Cathy Heldt and husband Keith of Bivins, TX; Four grandchildren, Jacob, Kaitlynn and Sarah Plyler and Emily Heldt; Two brothers, Terry Messner and wife Rita of Uniontown, OH and Wes Sweitzer of Lewisville, TX; Two sisters, Laura Minard and husband Dave of Barberton, OH and Pat Baldwin and husband Kenny of Mechanicstown, OH; in addition to nieces, nephews, a number of other relatives, and friends. Visitation will be Monday, April 2, 2018 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Hanner Funeral Service. Graveside services will be Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at 3:00 pm at Linden Cemetery in Linden, TX under the direction of Hanner Funeral Service with Pastor Scott Sundbye officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association: 7900 West 78th Street, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN, 55439. Guest registry is available online at www.hannerfuneralservice.com.