Donald Davis Messmer Jr.

Donald Davis Messmer, Jr. passed away in San Diego, California on Good Friday, April 15, 2022, at the age of 95. He died peacefully with family at his side. He was born to Bertha Schlueb Messmer and Donald D Messmer on September 17, 1926 in Columbus, Ohio.

He graduated from Ohio State University in 1948 with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Foreign Commerce. He served in the army during the Korean Conflict from 1950-52, achieving rank of Private First Class and receiving the Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal. Upon his return, he earned his Juris Doctor degree from Cleveland Marshal Law School, and was admitted to the Ohio State Bar in 1958. His career took him into the insurance industry, working for Nationwide Insurance 25 years, and then employed by GEICO for 15 years. This work took the family from Ohio to the Washington, D.C. area and subsequently to San Diego in 1984. Wherever home was, Don took pride in landscaping and keeping a well-manicured lawn.

It was while he was in law school that he met his future wife, Anne L Grime, on a blind date in Cleveland, Ohio. They were married in 1957 and celebrated 64 years of marriage in 2020.

Don was a car enthusiast, and went to many a car show to check out the latest models. He could rattle off the name and model of about any car going by on the freeway, even into his 90’s. As any who visited his home would know, his other passion was collecting Royal Doulton character jugs and figurines. He loved to showcase them on bookcases and around the home. He was also known for being a sharp dresser, enjoying the hunt to shop for the best deals. During their marriage, Don and Anne enjoyed travel to many parts of the world, from China to the Bahamas to New Zealand and to Europe. They especially treasured the road trips and family time in Dorset, Vermont, to celebrate July 4th and the Christmas holidays. After moving to the Remington Assisted Living Center, he became known for his luck at the weekly bingo games, bringing an impressive load of quarters back from his winning games.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Anne, and his siblings John F Messmer (Ruth Ann), David Messmer (Flo) and Marianne (Jerry). He is survived by his children Diane and Thomas (Michelle) and his three grandchildren Lydia, Max and Lily.

A brief graveside service will be held at San Diego’s Miramar National Cemetery on June 24, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. Those wishing to celebrate and honor Don's life may donate in his name to your favorite charity.