James Russell "Shorty" Messner, Sr., 80 of Canal Fulton died peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, Oct. 18, 2013. He was born on May 2, 1933 in Barberton to the late James Leonard and Helen (Heller) Messner and had been a life resident of the Barberton area. He retired from Babcock & Wilcox Co. after 42 years of service, and enjoyed spending time at the two log cabins he built in Guernsey County. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Janice E. Messner (2005); sisters, Mary, Dorothy and Evelyn and brothers, Bill and Joe. He is survived by his children, James Messner, Jr.; Teresa (Gus) Guspodin, Becky Messner and Cheryl Clark; Four grandchildren, Robert, Christopher, Joshua and Timothy and one great granddaughter, Jenna; two sisters, Jan and Shirley; numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Service MONDAY, 6:00 pm at the Swigart-Easterling Funeral Home, 624 E. Cherry St. (Rt. 93, Canal Fulton) with Rev. Mike Prebynski officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home Monday from 4 p.m.. to 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Summa.

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