AMBOY — Edward R. "Ed" Messenger Sr., 71, of Amboy, formerly of Dixon, passed away Monday Dec. 31, 2018. 

He was born July 10, 1947 in Oregon the son of Everett and Cletus (Harmon) Messenger. He married Amanda (Rainey) Messenger on April 16, 1982 in Dixon. 

Ed enjoyed playing cards, Elvis, western and his wrestling. He retired from Plews-Edelmann's in Dixon after 25 years in 2010. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Bob, Harry, Bill and Dick Messenger and two sisters, Vonn Smith and Pat Hoker.

Ed is survived by his wife of 36 years, Amanda, of Amboy: sons, Ed (Justine) Messenger and Eric (Robyn) Messenger, both of Oregon; step children, Anthony (Christy) Rainey, of Little River, S.C., Shaun (Maria) Rainey, of Tabor City, N.C., and Laura Pryor, of Kill Devil Hills, N.C.; six grandchildren, Malachi Messenger, Caitlin Messenger, Morgan and Alyssa Pryor, and Emmanual and Christian DaVilla. 

He is also survived by a sister, Joyce Mayfield, of Winter Haven, Fla., and a brother, Jim (Rita) Messenger, of Conway, Ark., and special friend Chris Becker.

A heartfelt thank you to Unity Hospice for the care and comfort they provided Ed.

Visitation will be held from 2 – 4 p.m., on Saturday Jan. 5, 2019, at the Mihm-Jones Funeral Home in Amboy. A fellowship meal will follow the visitation. Cremation rites will follow.

A memorial has been established in his name for Unity Hospice of Rochelle. 

Condolences may be sent online at www.thejonesfh.com.