Clyde Joseph Messenger Jr., 84, passed away Monday, Sept. 12, 2011, peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. He was a devoted husband of 63 years and the father of nine children. Clyde will always be remembered for the joy and happiness he provided to so many people with the countless hours he devoted in creating the Messengers' Christmas Land in 1964, a family tradition which has grown and still continues to this day. Clyde was a 1947 graduate of Warren Easton High School in New Orleans. He retired in 1986 after 38 years of service with International Harvester. Clyde was also an active football official for more than 35 years covering the high school and college levels. He served in the Navy for four years. A devoted Man of Manresa, Clyde attended for 35 consecutive years starting in 1976. He also volunteered for St. Vincent de Paul and Meals on Wheels. Clyde was a founding member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church then later at St. Louis King of France Catholic Church. Preceded in death by his father, Clyde Messenger Sr.; and mother, Lillian Schackai Messenger. Survivors include his beloved wife of 63 years, Josie, and their nine children, Clyde Messenger III and wife Karen, Bobby Messenger and wife Cindy, Terry Messenger and wife Tara, Larry Messenger and wife Donita, Donnie Messenger, Billy Messenger and wife Melinda, Timmy Messenger and wife Gloria, Cindy Messenger Palombo and husband Jude, and Danny Messenger. Also survived by 43 grandchildren, Tracie, Amy, Paul, Eric, Joey, John, Jeremy, Joseph, Courtney, Gerard, Blake, Catherine, Natalie, Michelle, Jenny, Bobby, Taylor, Tammy, Christy, Caitlin, Adrian, Michaila, Nathan, Christopher, Lillian, Michael, Stephen, Philip, Mandy, Billy, John, Matt, Rossi, Josh, Kimberly, Tim, Dylan, Myles, Hampton, Gracie, Sophie, Andrew and Patrick; and 28 great-grandchildren, Hunter, Haley, Logan, Suede, Kaci, Emily, Madison, Mary, Michael, Cassie, Blaze, Paisley, Grace, Jacob, Isabelle, Ava, Kelly, Sam, Heaven, Hunter, Ireland, McKenna, Miley, Joshua, Christian, Abigail, Grace, Mary Kate. Visiting at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., on Wednesday, Sept. 14, was from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visiting resumes at the funeral home Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated by the Rev. Jack Nutter and the Rev. Jeff Bayhi at St. Louis King of France Catholic Church, 2121 N. Sherwood Forest Blvd., Thursday at 10 a.m. Burial in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be the eldest sons of each of the nine children, Joey, Bobby, Taylor, Nathan, Christopher, Billy, Rossi, Dylan and Andrew.