Anthony W. "Tony" Messer, Jr., 35, of Chillicothe, died 12:51 a.m. Sunday, August 13, 2023 at his residence unexpectedly.

He was born January 24, 1988, in Chillicothe, to Anthony W. Messer, Sr. and Peggy Loomis Messer.  On October 17, 2020, he married the former Sharlene Ritterbeck who survives.

In addition to his wife, surviving are his father, Anthony W. Messer, Sr., of Chillicothe; mother, Peggy Messer, of Chillicothe; a daughter, Sophia Messer, of Chillicothe; former wife and mother of his daughter, Amanda Ours, of Chillicothe; aunts and uncles, Brad and Julie Long, of Chillicothe and Robin Loomis, of Columbus; step children, Matthew (Brianna Estepp) Kibbey and Krystiana Kibbey; step grandsons, Jordan Tyler and Grayson Kibbey; and his lifelong friend, Garret O'Dell.  He was predeceased by a sister, Chelsea Messer; an uncle, Ted Long; his papaw, Junior Long; and grandma, Lenna Burton.

Tony was a graduate of Zane Trace High School.  He was an avid fisherman.

A graveside service will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, August 20, 2023 in Grandview Cemetery with Dean Hughes officiating.  There will be no public calling hours.  Following the graveside, the family will gather at Carver Community Center.  Arrangements are under the direction of the WARE FUNERAL HOME.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the WARE FUNERAL HOME to help the family.

You may sign his online register at www.warefh.com