Carlene Messerli

MESSERLI
Carlene (Caldwell) Messerli, 86, earned her angel wings on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
She was born to the late Kenneth Caldwell and Margaret (Comer) Caldwell on November 9, 1937.
She was married to Roy Dameron from 1956 to 1972 and began her family which included three daughters. She later married her true soulmate, Kelly W. Messerli on January 31, 1976, who preceded her in death in 2018. Joined together with their blended families, they raised a real life “Brady Bunch” complete with a son of their own. Their son, Kelly David, preceded them both in death in 2013.
Carlene attended Clarksburg High School until it closed in 1955 and graduated from California High School in 1956. She went on to graduate from Beauty School in Warrensburg, Missouri and passed the State Board Exams with flying colors in 1967.
She worked as a licensed Cosmetologist for over 55 years and was a master in her field. She owned and operated Carlene’s Hair Fashions, in California, Missouri which she established in the mid 1980’s. Her renowned skills combined with her caring and compassionate traits, gained her numerous long-term clients who became lifelong friends - many who were thought of as family.
Carlene was of the Baptist faith and a member of Main Street Baptist Church. Steadfast and strong in her faith, she lived her life accordingly. She had a heavenly voice and sang in the church choir as well as numerous duets, trios, and quartets.
Carlene had many interests which included sewing, crocheting, antiquing, gardening, fishing, reading, puzzle books, playing cards, playing slot machines at the boat, and kickin’ up her heels. She was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, NASCAR, Missouri Tigers, and of course, the California Pintos. Staying up late every night to watch Steve Harvey on the Game Show Network was her guilty pleasure. However, her true passion and delight were her family and friends. She spent years, and invested many hours, volunteering and attending the numerous activities in which her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were involved.
Whether it was church activities, military tours (always supported our troops, especially her Army kids), school functions, sporting events, 4-H, scouts, swim team, etc., she was eager to lend a helping hand or simply beam with pride as a spectator.
Carlene devoted much of her time as a caregiver to family members, including her mother who passed at age 74, and two of her children who battled cancer. Throughout her life she greeted everyone with a smile. She welcomed numerous friends of her children into her home, took them under her wing, and by many, was considered their second mom. Carlene maintained a sweet and loving demeanor and won the trust and hearts of many, some of whom even to this day, are being changed by her constant nurturing love and faith.
Carlene is survived by: daughters, Carol Bailey, Janet (Nick) Morris, Karen Beth Dameron (Darrell Clutter); daughter-in-law, Emily Messerli, stepsons, Rick (Karen) Messerli, Kevin (Cheri) Messerli, all of California, Missouri; stepdaughters, Becky (Leon) Bax and Michelle (Joe) Owsley, all of Jefferson City, Missouri; one sister, Bernice Purnell, and stepsiblings, LeRoy Gish and Betty Fudge, all of California, Missouri; 23 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren (one on the way), two great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her loving husband of 42 years, and their amazing son, Kelly David Messerli, she was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, Charlie Gish; her infant twin, Darlene Caldwell; sisters, Mary Louise Elliott and Mary Lee Caldwell; a brother, Joseph Lee Caldwell; and a granddaughter, Jessica Lynn Forbis.
Funeral Services were held Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services, California, Missouri. Interment was at the Salem U.C.C Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society or the Wounded Warrior Foundation, c/o the funeral home.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services.