Paul William Messenger

Paul Messenger, age 41, passed away on Thursday, October 19, 2023. Paul was born and raised on his family's cattle ranch in Wilcox, Arizona. He learned to drive when he was six years old and loved the wide-open spaces of his birthplace. He later joined the United States Marine Corp at 17 years old. He specialized in communications and went from placing com lines to running communications equipment for entire military bases. His excellent reputation in his service sent him around the world to not only the USA, but Korea, Japan, and Bahrain. He pivoted into IT towards the end of his military career, eventually earning a top-secret security clearance and working in cyber security. After leaving the military he worked for Apple retail for 8 years before landing at a local Holland company, Worksighted, where he would later meet the love of his life, his wife, Marcy Elder. Paul was so much more than just his work. He served on multiple ministry teams at his beloved church home, All Saints Episcopal Church in Saugatuck, MI. He had a heart for ministry his whole life and began pursuing ordination in 2022. His heart for people was shown in everything he did. He was a steadfast friend and loving and devoted husband to his much beloved wife, Marcy. Paul's family has a tradition of telling old stories again and again like forms of currency among family and friends. Paul learned this art of storytelling from his father and grandfather; his way of honoring where he came from. This heritage made him an incredible gifted teacher, someone who could translate complex subjects using his beautiful analogies and infectious smile. If he ever read this description of him, he would fervently deny this being a gift. Anyone who knew him would whole-heartedly agree what a humble and supportive man he was who would do all in his power to lift others up above any of his own accomplishments. He will be deeply missed by family and friends alike. Paul is survived by his wife, Marcy Elder, Father, Paul Wayne Messenger, half-sister, Elizabeth Grimes, and stepson, Matthew Elder V. The family will hold a celebration of life on Sunday, October 29th at Hops, a restaurant in downtown Holland, MI which was special to Paul and Marcy. The event will be held from 4-7pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Wounded Warriors Family Support organization https://wwfs.org/. www.langelandsterenberg.com.

Tributes

Paul William Messenger

May 30, 1982 - October 19, 2023