Summers County veteran laid to rest with full honors

HINTON, WV (WVNS) — A beloved Summers County veteran was laid to rest on the morning of Monday, June 3, 2024 with the military honors for his service to our country.

Curt Messer had a huge impact on the Hinton community according to residents. Senator Jack David Woodrum grew up knowing Curt and shared some of his memories of him.

“Well, Curt’s been a fixture in this community my entire life,” said Senator Woodrum. “He’s a gentleman that cared about the kids, he was always doing things for kids, having activities when we were growing up.”

Messer was also an avid photographer and could often be found at Bluestone Lake with his camera out, capturing cranes and bald eagles.

His photos are on display at Kirk’s of Hinton, a restaurant which Messer’s son, Bruce Messer, now owns. Messer could also be found at the restaurant in the first booth by the patio doors greeting everyone he knew.

Senator Woodrum said Messer was also extremely proud of his military service.

“He’s a man that did more for veterans than any man I’ve ever known. He never passed a veteran that had a ballcap on, something that identified them as a veteran,” said Senator Woodrum. “He always stopped to talk to them and thank them for their service.”

Messer’s great nephew, Staff Sergeant Michael Wills, played TAPS in honor of his great uncle. An honor guard from Charleston presented the flag to Messer’s son at the end of the service.

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