Rev. Mr. John Robert Messer passed away Saturday, July 19, 2014.

Deacon John, "D.J." is remembered by his friends and parishioners of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in San Gabriel California where he served as parish administrator before his retirement. He is most loved for his devotion to the poor as he spirited the Christian Service programs which served the needy of his parish for many years. Deacon John also helped establish the resettlement program for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, finding homes for hundreds of refugee families at the close of the Vietnam War. He was an eloquent and popular homilist and performed hundreds of baptisms and matrimony ceremonies. D.J. is also remembered by the parishioners of St. Francis of Rome in Azusa California where he served as an advisor until he retired.

He is survived by Pamela Messer, his wife of 51 years; his children, Debbie Killebrew, Thang Lai, Penny Lai, Jeffery Messer, Noel Valdes and Leo Valdes; his grandchildren, Kevin Lai, Jordon Messer, John Robert Messer, Sarah Noel Valdes, Elise Claire Valdes and Samuel Killebrew.

A memorial Mass is set for Saturday, July 26, 2014, at 10:00 A.M. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 507 South Fourth Street, Richmond, Texas 77469.

Condolence messages may be written for the Messer family at www.garmanycarden.com.

Memorials may be given in his memory to the Pecan Grove Fire Department, 2211 Sand Court, Richmond,TX 77406.

Services are under the direction of Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors, 1201 Fourth Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471 (281)342-4671.