Benjamin Messenger

Benjamin Clayton Messenger, 82, a lifelong resident of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away Tuesday afternoon, December 27, 2022, surrounded by his family and listening to 50s rock and roll music.  He was born February 14, 1940, a son of Clayton and Myrtle Messenger.

Over his 64 years of employment, Ben worked as a car salesman, a forklift operator for Clark Equipment Company, Denso, the Rolling Hills Mobile Home Park serving as the maintenance manager, and for the last two decades, taking care of customers at Menards.

Ben is survived by daughters Brenda Messenger, Susie and (Rob) Piper, son Benjamin Messenger Jr., son-in-law Bill Peugh Sr. six grandchildren William (Missy) Peugh, Charie (Jeorge Pacheco) Peugh, Tyler (Jessica) Piper, Halley (Jason) Sturma, Alex (Tarin) Messenger, Maggey (Branndon Bundle) Davis, and great grandchildren, Blake, Gabriela, Piper, Clayton, Addison and Rowyn.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Ella Lucille whom he was happily married to for 65 years, his parents, daughter Tina Peugh, brother Kenneth Messenger, grandson Benjamin Messenger III and great granddaughter Aamber Peugh.

In his early life, Ben loved riding his motorcycle with his wife, bowling, weekly Euchre tournaments with his work friends, deer hunting and always having the best car in town to take his family out in.  Ben enjoyed fishing from his boat, maintaining his yard, keeping his car impeccably detailed, watching Michigan State and Detroit sports teams, as well as watching old Western shows and movies.

Ben was an incredibly dedicated and loving husband, parent, grandparent and great grandparent.  He spent his evenings enjoying homecooked dinners and watching tv with his wife.  He enjoyed cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events and their graduations.  Ben loved his many sleepovers with his grandchildren, often ending in a shopping spree and breakfast at Homespun.

He loved the art of negotiation and bartering.  He prided himself on providing for his family.  Ben is forever missed and never forgotten.

P.S. A big Hug & a Kiss for every mistake.

Memorial service scheduled at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 13, 2023, at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Centrica Care Navigators-Hospice Care    Memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org