Michael C. Messer, 58 of Shawnee went to be with the Lord on February 13, 2019 after a courageous fight. Michael once said, "I'm going to battle until the end". He was born on February 28, 1960 in Claremore, Oklahoma to Betty (Jones) Kimbel and Tommy Gerald Hardridge. Michael attended Jones Academy owned by Choctaw Nation in Hartshorne, Oklahoma along with a majority of his siblings. Attending school there while at Jones Academy his extracurricular activities were boxing, long distance running and being a FFA member.

He graduated in 1978 from Hartshorne High School where he met the love of his life on July 5, 1980. Michael also attended Seminole State College graduating with an associate degree in applied science and applied technology. Michael joined the United States Navy where he was deployed to the Philippine Islands and Guam. After serving 3 years he received the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and Navy Expeditionary Medal.

After his service Michael started to raise his family. He married his high school sweetheart Sharon "Possum" Harjo Messer. Michael and Sharon were married for 33 remembered and loving years. They made their home in Shawnee where they raised a house full of 4 boys.

Michael loved and was loved by his family. He enjoyed watching wrestling and pro bull riding. Every now and then he would play pick me up basketball or softball. He was a very likeable guy who told lots of jokes, had a huge smile and hearty laugh. He was a genuine man who worked hard for the good things in life. Michael was also "a damn good machinist".

Michael is preceded in death by his father Tommy Gerald Hardridge.

He is survived by his wife of 33 beautiful years, Sharon Messer; son Justin Lena and wife Stephanie of Shawnee, Jeremiah Messer, Wyatt Messer and Jarod Messer all of the home; mother Betty (Jones) Kimbel of Okay; sisters Pamela Hardridge of Kellyville, Sandra Roberts of Okay, Patricia (Katie) Jefferson of Bristow and Lisa and Floyd Finn of Tulsa; brothers Mark Messer of Tulsa, Steven Gibbs of Tulsa and Tommy Wayne Hardridge of Tulsa. Mike had a plethora of nieces, nephews, family and friends. He will be truly missed.

Wake service will be at Kellyville Indian Community Center, Friday, February 15, 2019 at 6:00pm Indian time. Funeral services will be held at Kellyville Indian Community Center, Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 11:00am with Reverends Phillip Sanders and Gary Dunn officiating. Burial will follow at Hardridge Family Cemetery. Bearers will be Darrell Jones, Curtis Cargil, Bobby Joe Cargil, James Rolland, Johnathan Jefferson and Jeff Harjo. Honorary bearers will be Howard Sarkechee, Winky Harjo, Justin Lena, Jeremiah Messer, Wyatt Messer and Jared Messer.