December 27, 1962 – August 29, 2023
Shawn Edward Messenger, 60, Noblesville, passed away on Tuesday evening, August 29, 2023, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. Born on December 27, 1962, in Noblesville, he was the son of John E. and Jeraldine “Jeri” Messenger, both of whom survive him.
Shawn was a 1981 graduate of Noblesville High School. Early in his career he went to work for Marsh Grocery Stores before making the move to auto sales. He got his feet wet with a few different dealerships in the area, including Hare Chevrolet, before finding himself at Andy Mohr Buick in Fishers. Always wanting to better his sales numbers and become a more effective manager, Shawn attended the NADA Dealer Academy. This helped prepare him with the tools he needed for his current position as a Sales Manager for Andy Mohr.
Shawn lived life on his own terms; he was a free spirit who loved the freedom to do what he wanted, when he wanted, and in whichever manner he chose to do it. He loved going to concerts and was fortunate to do it at a time when some of the best touring bands were still on the road. His most memorable shows were Kid Rock, KISS, and Led Zeppelin. As much as he enjoyed the energy of being at a show, he was equally excited to just float around on a boat, without a care in the world. Sometimes sports would catch his interest, especially when it came to the Colts, the Pacers, and NASCAR (but not so much after Jeff Gordon retired).
The one thing that could always focus his attention was his family. There was nobody on the planet who loved being a dad (and later a grandpa) more than Shawn. He had a gift for being able to “reach” young people, allowing him to be both a father figure and mentor to so many, outside of his own family. You can learn a lot from family, and one of the lessons Shawn took to heart was how to cook. He became the resident Grill Master, learning the tricks of the trade from his brother Jeff, who just happened to be a professional chef.
Shawn is survived by his parents, John E. and Jeraldine “Jeri” Messenger of Noblesville; two sons, Korey Messenger of Noblesville, and Derek Messenger of Westfield; grandson, Karson Messenger; sisters, Deborah L. Craig of Cookeville, Tenn., and Linda K. Riffey of Noblesville; stepsisters, Beth Green and Kelli Green-Klingerman; stepbrother, Garry Green; niece, Callie J. Craig; and nephews, Ryan Messenger, James Messenger, Dustin Messenger, Travis Riffey, and Josh Riffey.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Kevin L. Messenger and Jeffrey A. Messenger; and by his paternal grandparents, Lee and Maple Messenger.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan, with visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan. Rev. V.J. Stover will be officiating.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com