Theodore Arthur Messinger Sr. (Art), age 77 years, passed away quietly, at the home of his daughter, Monday, June 17, 2013. He had been residing in Tempe for the past three years. Previous to that time, Arthur lived and worked in San Manuel, Az for over 30 years.
Mr. Messinger was the son of Herbert and Marie Messinger of Tucson, AZ where he was born and lived until he entered the Air Force in 1956. His siblings include Gilbert E. Messinger (Judy) of Vail, AZ, Andrew Messinger (deceased), Patricia Morse (Burton) of Tucson, AZ, Wallace Messinger (deceased), and Doris Messinger, Tucson, AZ.
In 1960, he married Susan A. Hansberger. They had six children, Theodore Arthur Messinger, Jr. (Collette), Timothy Charles Messinger, Heidi Susan Messinger Wiltbank (Dwain), Melissa Louise Messinger, Donald Jacob Messinger (Colleen), and Matthew David Messinger (Brianna). He was preceded in death by his son, Timothy.
A hard working man, Arthur loved his family and was proud of his sons and daughters. He found great happiness in his 23 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Always ready to help, many of his extended family members can recall his willingness to provide or fix things, mow the lawn or stand in for a missing father. He was proud of his honorable military service and his responsibility as a jet mechanic. Arthur was a quiet man, but spoke strongly about his country and the freedom we enjoy and protect. He was a devoutly religious man, and a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The funeral services were held on Saturday, June 17, 2013 in Tucson. He has been interred next to his son, Timothy, at the Binghamton Cemetery, also in Tucson.