By DAVID A. WILSON
Democrat Staff
Kelly D. Messerli wore many hats at the time of his death from cancer at the age of 36 on March 31. He will be missed by his family his city, his country, and a host of other organizations.
Married and the father of three young children, he was active in their organizations.
He coached his son's baseball team, and was a Cub Scout cubmaster.
In the city, he served on the California Board of Aldermen. With the rank of major with the Missouri National Guard, he was the State Safety Manager and commander of the 1438th Engineer Company, 35th Engineer Brigade.
As a law enforcement officer, he served the county as a member of the Moniteau County Sheriff's Department as well as the cities of Osage Beach and Jefferson City as an officer in their police departments.
He also found time to be a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation and serve VFW Post 4345 as Commander.
His funeral on April 4 drew a military contingent from the National Guard, representation from the sheriff's department and several police departments. He was given a motorcycle escort by the American Legion Riders and Patriot Guards to Salem U.C.C. Cemetery for burial with full military honors.