03/29/2026
John Earl “J.E.” Messley departed this life peacefully on Friday, March 27, 2026, in the comfort of his home in Anderson, Missouri, at the age of 73.
He was born on August 13, 1952, in Springfield, Missouri, the eldest of two sons born to the union of the late John Henry and Zelma Lou (Cantrell) Messley. J.E. was a 1970 graduate of Central High School in Springfield, where he served as class president.
Following his graduation, J.E. worked in construction before beginning a longstanding career in the insurance business. He spent several years as an agent for American National and later became an independent broker. J.E. enjoyed traveling all over the US during his time as an agent for JM Marketing. He and his cousin Carl had numerous adventures on the road together, and J.E. loved sharing stories about those times. Throughout his career, he earned the respect of many through his honesty, dedication, and steady commitment to serving others.
He was a resident of the Springfield, Missouri area for most of his life, later moving to be closer to both his boys and their families. First, to California to live with his son John, and later to Anderson, Missouri, to be closer to his son Jason. J.E. was a member of Rocketdyne Road Church of Christ in Neosho, Missouri, where he rarely missed a Sunday service.
J.E. loved baseball in all its forms. He was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and watched or listened to all their games. He could also be found attending local high school games. But the games he loved most were those played by his sons and grandsons, and the boys were his favorite baseball players. He rarely missed a game, and he enjoyed coaching them both on the field and off.
J.E. also took great pleasure in fishing. Whether in a canoe on the river or standing along a bank, he spent many quality hours, rod and reel in hand, building relationships with his boys.
J.E. believed in relationships. He had many lifelong friendships and was a beloved Dad, Perpawl, and Grandpa J to his family. He might not express his feelings in words, but his love was evident in his actions. If there was an activity that a member of the family was engaged in, he was there. From breakfasts to baseball, fishing to farming, (even show choir) he would be there to show his support.
He is survived by his two sons, Jason Messley and his wife, Sarah, of Noel, Missouri, and John Messley and his wife, Leticia, of Bois D’Arc, Missouri. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Zeke Bates, Ruthie Baisch, Zane Messley, and Tylan Messley, as well as four great-grandchildren, Weston, Araya, Jameson, and Azriel. He is further survived by his brother, Frank Messley and his wife, Stephanie, of Springfield, Missouri, along with a host of other family members and friends who will cherish his memory.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening, April 1, 2026, at Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri from 5-7:00 p.m. A second visitation will be held on Thursday morning, April 2, 2026, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield, Missouri beginning at 10:00 a.m., with a graveside service following at 11:00 a.m. at Greenlawn Cemetery. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Jason Messley, John Messley, Zeke Bates, Zane Messley, Tylan Messley and Emanuel Baisch. Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.
Visitation
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Ozark Funeral Homes - Anderson
Visitation
Thursday, April 2, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Greenlawn Funeral Home North ~ Springfield, Missouri
Graveside Service
Thursday, April 2, 2026
11:00 AM
Greenlawn Cemetery ~ Springfield, Missouri
