Wayne Joseph Messenger Sr.

It is with great sadness that the family of Wayne Joseph Messenger Sr announces his passing on Sunday, February 2, at the age of 64.  He took his last breath peacefully in his sleep at Unity LTAC Center after a 45-day battle with his health. 

Wayne was born in 1955 in Rockford, IL to the late William and Margaruite (Flood) Messenger. He grew up between Illinois and Michigan and later settled with his family in Arkansas in 1993. Wayne was a devoted husband and a loving father. He was one of a kind with a heart of gold. He had a great sense of humor and was always quick with a sarcastic comment, but even quicker with a compliment. Wayne worked hard his whole life and would do any work necessary to take care of his family. He loved being outdoors whether it be fishing, riding four-wheelers, working in the yard, or planning his next project. Wayne’s infamous words were “If you’re not having fun, you’re wasting time.” He took great pride in his grandchildren and great grandchildren and he was an awesome Papa. 

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Shari; one son, Wayne Messenger Jr (Dee) of Higginson; three daughters, Jennifer Castera of Searcy and Johanna Arsenault (Casey) of Wixom, MI and Alivia Rose of Judsonia; one step-daughter, Tawnya Brewer of North Little Rock; two brothers, William Messenger (Nancy) of Oregon, IL and Warren Messenger (Sandy) of Romulus, MI; and three sisters, Peggy Sliwa (John) , Mary Heading (Doug) all of MI, and Marie Whitesell (Jeff) of WI; eighteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two children; Jeffrey Rauch and Heather Peirce.