Colson Messer Sr., 86, of Corbin, Kentucky, passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at Christian Care Communities. He was born on June 11, 1939, in the Stinking Creek community of Knox County to the late John A. Messer and Kelsie Warren Messer.
Colson spent thirty years as a dedicated truck driver, known on the CB radio by the handles “Red Fox” and “Fast Cat.” He was a devoted member of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, where he cherished his church family. He especially loved the children and became affectionately known as “the candy man” for always sharing treats with them. Above all, he treasured time with his family, particularly his grandchildren, whom he enjoyed teaching about hunting and fishing.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Eugene Messer, and his sister, Vivian Messer Barnes.
He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Wanda Gayle Osborne Messer, whom he married on December 21, 2008; his daughter, Connie Messer Evans and her husband Brian of London, Ky., his son, Colson Messer Jr. and his wife Kim of Barbourville, Ky., and his step-children, Matthew Hall and wife Stacey, and Leah Boggs and husband Benjamin, three sisters; Ima Jean Begley of Corbin, Ky., Bonnie Jackson of Lexington, Ky., Carol Williams, of Corbin, Ky., two brothers; John Messer Jr., of Westchester, Oh., and Len Messer, of Wellington, Ky. He also leaves behind ten grandchildren—Colson Messer III, Presley Messer, Justin Wynn and wife Alisha, Jessica Wynn, Briana Evans, Hayley Harris and husband Mark, Emiley Clemens and husband Joey, Abbigale Hendricks, Seth Hall, and Kyle Hall—along with seven great-grandchildren. Colson will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
The family extends heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Christian Care Communities of Corbin for their kindness and the joy they brought to him, as well as to the Hospice team for their compassionate care and comfort.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at O’Neil-Lawson Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Randy Johnson and Bro. Randy Kister officiating. Burial will follow in Lawson Family Cemetery on Hightop Road in Corbin, Kentucky.
Visitation will take place from Noon until 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at O’Neil-Lawson Funeral Home.
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