Thomas Claybourne Messer, the son of Oscar and Wilhelmina Messer was born October 17, 1930 at Okmulgee, Oklahoma. He passed away on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at the Edgewater Retirement Center, West Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 84 years and 22 days. Tom was the youngest of three children, having two older sisters. He grew up in Oakland, California and graduated from Oakland Technical High School in l947. At the age of 17, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at SAC/Offutt Air Base in Omaha, NE. While at SAC/Offutt he met his future wife, Bernice Peterson. Tom and Bernice were united in marriage on June 18, 1950 at Wallin, Iowa and began raising their family. Tom's military career took him to England, Washington D.C., Germany and North Carolina. He also attended the University of Maryland pursuing a degree in history. Tom ended his 20 year military career after a year tour of duty in Vietnam at the height of the Vietnam War. After his 20 years of service in the U.S. Air Force, Tom and Bernice moved to Stanton, Iowa. He began a successful 25 year career in the insurance field as an agent for Kansas City Life. Stanton was very special and beloved to him as home and community. He enjoyed being active in Stanton community events and was a member of the Mamrelund Lutheran Church. Following the death of his wife, Bernice on July 27, 2009, Tom made his home in West Des Moines at the Edgewater Retirement Center, where he was warmly received and made many friends, along with enjoying visits from his old friends. Throughout life, he maintained his friendly disposition and had a great sense of humor. Tom was a talented artist and loved music. He and Bernice treasured their family dearly and traveled near and far to attend their grandchildren's events. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bernice; and two sisters: Juanita and Betty. Tom is survived by five children and their spouses: Patrice & David Roebuck of Columbia, SC; Julie & Tom Smithson of South China, ME; Mari & Dr. George Tischenko of Orinda, CA; Gregg & Michelle Messer of Adel, IA; and Peter & Stephanie Messer of Omaha, NE; ten grandchildren: Tom (Becca) Roebuck, Andrea (Daniel) Hudacko, Jon (Angela) Roebuck, Sarah Smithson, Emily Smithson, Alexander Tischenko, Melissa Messer, Matthew Messer, Kirsty and Corey; three great-grandchildren: Nora Hudacko, Jacob Roebuck and Gabriel Hudacko; two brothers-in-law and their spouses: Don A. & Marlene Peterson of Kansas City, MO; and Dennis & Sue Peterson of Stanton, IA; other relatives and many friends. Funeral Service will be held Thursday, November 13, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Mamrelund Lutheran Church, Stanton, Iowa Burial with Military Rites from the U.S. Air Force at Mamre Cemetery. Rev. Jerry Lamb, Officiating Visitation with the family present on Wednesday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home. Memorials to the Stanton Historical Society, Mamrelund Lutheran Church or Alzheimer's Association. Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.