Richie Messer, Jr., age 80 of Dayton, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Erlanger Baroness Hospital in Chattanooga. He was born in East Liverpool, Ohio, on October 10, 1945, the son of the late Richie Messer, Sr. and Frances (Smallwood) Messer. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Leon Messer; and his sister, Janet Marple.

A Dayton resident since 2000, he was originally from Wellsville, Ohio. He proudly served three years in the U.S. Navy before dedicating 26 years to General Motors on the assembly line at their Lordstown, Ohio plant. He was a member of the American Legion and attended First Church in Dayton. He enjoyed coaching youth football and cherished every opportunity to watch his grandchildren compete in their sports activities.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Linda (Excell) Messer of Dayton; his children, Jennifer (Dennis) VanMeter and Doug (Tracey) Messer, both of Dayton; his grandchildren, Zach (Ashley) VanMeter, Grant (Fiancée Brooklyn Conley) VanMeter, Ella VanMeter, Joey Messer, all of Dayton, and Courtney Marie Orick of Spring City ; and his great-granddaughters, Ansley Orick and Kyleigh Orick, both of Spring City.

A Gathering Time for Richie will be held in the funeral home parlor on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Please share your memories of Richie on his online guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com.

The family is being cared for by Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton, Tennessee.