Earl Monroe Messick

Earl Monroe Messick, 89, passed away at his home in Libby, Montana, on Dec. 19, 2023.

Earl was born to Earl H. Messick and Nellie S. Messick on Nov. 18, 1934, in Bivalve, Maryland. He attended elementary school in Nanticoke, Maryland and then went to high school in Salisbury, Maryland where he graduated.

After graduation Earl went to work at an automotive store. While working there he joined the Maryland National Guard where he spent two and one half years and from there he joined the United States Air Force. 

Earl was stationed at San Antonio for three months, Mississippi for nine months, and was then stationed at Yaak, Montana for three years. It took only three months after being discharged from the Air Force in Maryland to decide the best place to settle was Libby, Montana.

During his stay in Montana, Earl met his wife, Barbara. They were married at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Dec. 22, 1956, in Libby, Montana. They were just three days shy of their 67th wedding anniversary when he passed. 

Earl and Barbara have raised two children, Earl E. Messick and Rebecca N. Messick. He has four grandchildren (Terrah Messick, Kelsey Messick, Melissa Manuel (Grube), Stephanie Grube) and 10 great-grandchildren (Aiery, Braxten, Zeke, Maria, Dezeray, Evalyn, Cashous, Blake, Mark III and Rebecca).

Earl owned and operated an electrical business for a few years before accepting a job with GTE in 1965. After 28 years with the phone company, he retired and continued to work as a contracted employee in the telephone business (Cascade Cable). While working for Cascade Cable, they gave him the nickname, “The Duke.”

He was very involved in the community and served on several boards, including the local school board for 15 years, six years as President on the Montana School Board Association, eight years on the local golf board, one year on the Chamber of Commerce board (which he got “Citizen of the Year” in 1987), McGrade PTA chairman, Senior Citizens board (was the President), County Council on Aging, Transportation Service board, President for the Flathead Co-op and was the treasurer and on the council of his church. 

Earl was one of five to start our local fund drive program, Lincoln County Combined Campaign. He also contributed more than 30 years volunteering within scouting activities for many kids and families.

In 2002, Earl was elected to Flathead Electric Cooperative’s Board of Trustees as the first time ever District #9 Trustee for the Libby district. He became a Credentialed Cooperative Director after attending the certification courses. 

Also in 2002, Earl was appointed to the by-laws committee, which he helped to rewrite the by-laws. He retired from the Flathead Electric Co-op board in 2017 due to his health issues.

The celebration for Earl’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 5, 2023, at the Christ Lutheran Church located on 200 West Larch Street in Libby. Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby, Montana. 

Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.