Jerry Messick

CMSGT, Jerry Wayne Messick, USAF, Retired, 85, of Belleville, IL, born November 27, 1940, in Phenix City, AL, died Saturday, January 3, 2026, at St. Paul’s Senior Community, Belleville, IL.

Jerry was a proud member of the United States Air Force and Vietnam veteran, serving his country for over 30 years before retiring in 1988, earning the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Following his military service, he worked at Wicks Organ Company, Highland, IL for 12 years before retiring. Jerry was a life member of the Air Force Association, Air Force Sergeants Association, and the NCOA Vietnam veteran 1962-1963.

He was very active with St. Paul United Church of Christ where he proudly served on the Mission Board where he served 3 years on the U.C.C. South Illinois Conference Hunger Action Board. This led him to serve as the church’s food pantry director for 7 years. Starting in 2006, he helped organize several small church food pantries into an efficient ecumenical mission to improve the assistance to struggling families throughout Belleville. The Community Interfaith Food Pantry started operations in 2007, with Jerry serving as the Executive Director until 2016.

Jerry was preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Marijean Messick, nee Knight, whom he married on October 18, 1966, and who died on January 31, 2019; his parents, Roy Herman Messick and Hilda Lucille Harden; two sisters, Tammy Faye Messick and Vickie (Jim) White; and two brothers-in-law, Gaylon Woods and Jimmy Capps.

He is survived by his daughter, Kelli L. (Dale) Wentz; three grandchildren, McKenna, Ryleigh and Delaney; five great-grandchildren; and two brothers and three sisters, Carolyn Woods, Rex (Glenda) Messick, Pam Capps, Jimmy Ray Messick, and Sharon Welch.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Community Interfaith Food Pantry. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation: Friends may visit from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, January 10, 2026, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

A private burial will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO, at a later date.

Obit Provided By:
Renner Funeral Home