Ken Messick

     Ken Messick, 84, of Akron, Ohio, formerly of Newton, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.  Born October 11, 1941, in Newton, Iowa, he was the beloved son of James and Alice Messick.  A man of deep faith, Ken lived a life guided by love, laughter, and service to others.

     Baseball was one of Ken’s lifelong passions.  In his youth, he played semi-professional baseball and remained a devoted Chicago Cubs fan throughout his life.  He took particular joy in witnessing the Cubs win the World Series against his adopted hometown team – a victory he celebrated with characteristic enthusiasm.

     Ken also had a gift for cooking.  He delighted family and friends with creative meals and took special pride in teaching his children and grandchildren the joy of preparing food together.

     Ken devoted over three decades of service as a tool maker at Cline Tool in Newton.  He earned the distinction of Master Gardener, a title he carried with great pride.  Whenever he moved to a new home, one of his first acts was planting vegetable and flower gardens, often contributing his time and talents to beautify community gardens as well.

     He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved granddaughter, Danielle.

     Ken is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Peggy; his daughters, Christine Parisi (Ed) and Angela Messick-Thornburg (James); and his son, Christopher Messick (Sonja).  His grandchildren – Melanie (Tim), Justin (Veronica), Taylor, Joseph (Megan), James, Mackenzie (Remi), Joshua (Danielle), Jacob, Sierra, Juliana, Emily, and John Paul – were the great joys of his life.  He was also a proud great-grandfather of ten.

     A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.  The family will greet friends after the service with a lunch at the funeral home from 11:00-12:30 p.m., followed by a private family burial. 

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