Ernest Paul Messmer

Ernest “Ernie” Paul Messmer, age 66 of Oklahoma City, passed away on November 17, 2021. Ernest was born in Corona, California to Steve Peter Messmer and Ila Ardell Thrasher (Fox) on October 7, 1955.

Ernie made a wonderful career for himself in the automotive industry, and for most of his working career was a self-employed Racing Mechanic and Motor Builder. He was the founder of the Sprint Series of Oklahoma car racing tournament series. Over the years, Ernie did all the motor work on his own vehicles, because he knew if he didn’t do it, it wouldn’t get done right. Ernie’s dad Steve taught him and his brother how to build transmissions. After Steve passed, Ernie and his brother Jim continued building transmissions in Ernie’s garage.

Ernie loved working outside and put a lot of time and special attention into his lawn, which was always groomed immaculately. He was always gentle with animals. He was particularly fond of felines, and he adored his two cats, Dumplin’ and Half-Pint, often spoiling them rotten. Ernie enjoyed spending every Sunday morning drinking coffee at Mama Lou’s with Jim and John. More than anything, Ernie loved his family with all his might, and loved spending time with his beloved wife, Brenda, and his children and grandchildren. Ernie’s warm and caring heart touched the lives of many people during his lifetime, and he will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Ernie was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Baby Bailey, his mother and father, Steve Messmer and Ila Thrasher, his best friend, Michael Peters, a brother, Steve Messmer, and his favorite cats, 410, Sprinter, and Runt.

He is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Messmer; his children, daughter Jaqueline Keeton and husband Tracy, daughter Jennifer Wynette and fiancé Adam Bailey, son Ernest Paul Messmer JR. and wife Brandace, and stepdaughter Jennifer Huffman and husband Michael; his grandchildren, Shay-Allyn Keeton, Kaitlyn Keeton, Sara Keeton, Issiah Klepper, Meleyah Klepper, Jeremiah Klepper, Jade Hall, Kylee Huffman, and Jackson Huffman Trevor Rogers, Emilee Rogers, MyKenna Wynette Rogers, and Norah Messmer; as well as a host of loving family members and friends.

A memorial service for Ernie will begin at 11 AM on Wednesday, December 1st , 2021, at the Westmoore Community Church. In honor of Ernie, please feel free to wear your favorite racing gear to the service. Services are under the direction and care of John M. Ireland & Son Funeral Home & Chapel in Moore, Oklahoma.

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