Keith Franklin Messer

Keith Franklin Messer was born September 29, 1940, on a ranch near Merino, Colorado, to Clyde and Grayce Messer.

Education was important to Keith his entire life. During his early years, he attended elementary schools in and around the areas of Brush and Fort Morgan, Colorado. In 1952, his family moved to Lakewood, Colorado. He continued his education at Alameda Junior and Senior High School, in the Jefferson County School District, until he graduated in 1958. In July of that year, he left home to attend the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. He continued there until January 1960. He resigned his appointment at that time because there was a young lady back home. He had started dating Sandra Collette in August, 1959, and quickly fell in love.

The fall of 1960, Keith continued his education at Colorado State College in Greeley, Colorado. He graduated December, 1964, with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He had found his calling to become a teacher. Upon graduation, he applied to the Jefferson County School District to teach high school mathematics. Two months later, he received a call from the District. They wanted to hire Keith immediately for a position as a math and science teacher for Evergreen Junior High School in Evergreen, Colorado. Keith knew immediately that he had to accept this offer.

Keith taught in Evergeen for three and one-half years. In addition to his teaching, he also served as the wrestling coach. He had wrestled in high school as well as the Coast Guard Academy, and enjoyed the sport immensely. During this time, he had hoped to one day teach senior high level mathematics. Then a position became available at Arvada West High School in Arvada, Colorado. The school also had an opening for an assistant wrestling coach. With his teaching and wrestling coach experience, he qualified for the job and was hired.

In 1973, while teaching at Arvada West, Keith was approached by one of the mathematics coordinators for the Jefferson County School District, informing him of an opportunity to write the Calculus curriculum for the District and take classes at the University of Wyoming toward a Master's Degree. Tuition was covered. Keith took a year of sabbatical leave, met the goals of the District, and graduated with a Masters of Science degree in May, 1974. He returned to teaching at Arvada West High School until he retired in May, 1996, after having taught for over 30 years.

During retirement Keith continued his love of learning by enrolling at the Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Christian Counseling in May, 2001.

Keith was a devoted provider and protector for his family, a wonderful Christian man, and a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He married the love of his life Sandra "Sandy" Collette on July 27, 1962. They enjoyed married life for 62 years. From this union came their daughter Debra Kaye Messer (Hess). She was the joy of his life. His joy increased exponentially with the addition of his three grandchildren, Daniel Keith Hess, Ashleigh Nicole Hess, and Jessica Rose Hess.

He loved playing golf, reading, woodworking, working in the yard, and painting houses inside and outside. He was very meticulous in all he did. He was a member of the Church of the Nazarene and was a faithful servant of the Lord. He served as youth pastor, Board Member, Sunday School superintendent, and teacher of Sunday School classes and Bible studies.

After a long battle with cancer, Keith passed to his eternal home on Saturday, April 19, 2025.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy; daughter, Debbie; Debbie's husband, Tim Hess; grandchildren, Daniel, Ashleigh, and Jessica; and nieces and nephews, Wade Messer, LaVon Sonne, Gary Messer, Lamar Messer, Bob Messer, Sharla Vigil, Kirk Messer, Rick Edwards, Kathy Schmitt, Jim Edwards, Terry Edwards, Steve Messer, Andrea Joiner, Evie Messer, and David Messer.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Grayce Messer; his siblings, Oran Messer, Dwight Messer, Velma Edwards, and Neil Messer.

A Celebration of Keith's Life will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Longmont Church of the Nazarene, 2111 Mountain View Avenue, Longmont, Colorado.