Wayne Jay Messamaker

Wayne Jay Messamaker, age 69, of Centerville, IA, passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his loved ones, under the care of EveryStep Hospice. Wayne was born on January 5, 1954, in Knoxville, IA, to Raymond and Orpha (Bennett) Messamaker. He graduated from the Albia High School with the class of 1972. Following high school, Wayne served his country in the United States Army with the Military Police Unit. On June 19, 1976, he was united in marriage to Eloise Ashby in Iconium, IA, and to this union, 3 children, Tony, Matt, and Jocelyn, were born. Wayne and Eloise later divorced. On June 25, 2016, he was united in marriage to Selina Alba. Upon returning home from the service, Wayne went to work driving truck for Moravia Feed and Supply before going to work for the Centerville Police Department. He then went to work at Moravia Trucking Company before being elected Monroe County Sheriff. Most recently, he owned and operated Dynamic Vision Trucking Company. Wayne enjoyed being outdoors, mushroom hunting, and fishing, especially late night catfishing. He had his pilot’s license and enjoyed flying planes. Wayne was an all-around avid race fan. He once managed a race track in Memphis, MO, has owned many different styles of race cars, and loved going to the Knoxville Raceway to watch sprint car races. He enjoyed traveling to the Philippines and helped build houses there. Above all else, Wayne’s true joy in life was spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren. Wayne is survived by his wife, Selina; 3 children, Tony (Maegan) Messamaker, Matt (Cindy) Messamaker, and Jocelyn (Mike) Casteel; 11 grandchildren, Quinton Casteel, Keaton Casteel, Ethan Messamaker, Ryan Messamaker, Trenton Clayworth, Kaelyn Casteel, Isaac Messamaker, Raegan Messamaker, Mason Messamaker, Kallie Messamaker, and Bentley Clayworth; a brother, Doug (Janet) Messamaker; and a sister, Barbara Rees. Wayne is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Orpha; 2 sisters, Sandra Bruntmyer and Meuricia Bruntmyer; 3 brothers-in-law, Jim Rees, Ray Bruntmyer and Mike Bruntmyer; and 2 nephews, Kevin Rees and Joe Bruntmyer. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 7, 2023, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Wayne’s family present from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. to greet family and friends. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with military honors provided by the American Legion of Albia, Lovilia, and Melrose. A private family burial will be held at a later date. A memorial has been established to the Welcome Home Soldier Monument in Albia.

Wayne Jay Messamaker

May 5, 1954 - April 2, 2023