ELKHART -- Crisley A. "Arlin" Messick, 82, of Frances Avenue, died at 10 a.m. Monday (June 9, 2008) at home.

He was born July 27, 1925, in Beech Grove, Tenn., to James Quincy and Myrtle (Brown) Messick. On Sept. 21, 1946, he married Dorothy Ann Haggard in Coffee County, Tenn. She died in Elkhart in August 2005.

Mr. Messick is survived by one son, Dannie (Carolyn) Messick of Elkhart; two daughters, Jannie (Merle) Allard of Bristol and Shelia Crocker of Elkhart; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Barney (Marie) Messick of Elkhart, Ralph (Bobbie) Messick of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Jerry Messick of Missouri; and one sister, Jessie P. Green of Beech Grove.

He was preceded in death by one son, Randall, and one brother, Evans Messick.

Mr. Messick worked in the RV industry as an electrician for Elcona Homes, Elkhart, until the company closed. He retired in the late 1980s from Elkhart Community Schools' maintenance department after more than 15 years of service.

Mr. Messick was adept at handiwork and enjoyed buying and remodeling homes, fixing things and keeping a perfect yard and garden. He was a U.S. Navy World War II veteran.

He helped build Free Will Baptist Church, Elkhart, where he served as deacon for several years. He attended Riverview Baptist Church, Elkhart.

Mr. Messick loved children of all ages, was an avid White Sox fan and was never seen without his dog, Henry.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. Friends also may call one hour prior to Friday's 11 a.m. funeral service at the funeral home. Pastor Robert "Bob" Wood of Riverview Baptist Church will officiate. Burial will follow in Olive Cemetery, Elkhart. The U.S. Navy Funeral Honor Guard and Elkhart DAV Chapter 19 will render military graveside honors.

Memorials may be given to United Cancer Services of Elkhart County, 23971 U.S. 33, Elkhart, IN 46517 or The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.