It is with deep and heavy sadness that we announce the death of Colonel Claude Earl Messamore Jr., USAF, retired, age 73. He passed away peacefully on September 18, 2017 at his beloved summer cottage on Bailey Island, Maine. Claude was born in May 1944 in Knoxville, Tennessee and was the oldest of the four children of Claude and Ersabelle Messamore.

He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-one years, Barbara Stetson Messamore of Falls Church, Virginia, as well as their four children: Chip Messamore, Laura and Jason Barr, Gail and Justin Wilson, all of Tampa, Florida, and David and Emily Messamore of New Albany, Ohio.

Claude and Barbara were blessed with six grandchildren: Eva Messamore, Laura Messamore, Jack Barr, Emily Barr, Landon Wilson, and Kennedy Wilson; three siblings Margaret Puckett and Steven Hal Messamore of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Colonel John Messamore, USA, retired, of Florence, Alabama, along with many other loving nieces, nephews and extended family.

Claude graduated from Knoxville, Tennessee’s Fulton High School in 1962 where he excelled in track and football, setting state records in the 100, 220, and 440 yard sprints, and earning selection as an All-State football halfback resulting in a full football scholarship to Virginia Tech. Upon graduation in 1966, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force.

Throughout his distinguished thirty-year Air Force career, he was awarded numerous medals and decorations. He earned a master’s degree in logistics management, graduated the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and Harvard’s Kennedy School Executive Program. After retiring from the Air Force as a Colonel in 1996, he worked as an executive for BAE Systems in Nashua, New Hampshire as Director of Contracting until 2007.

Claude’s greatest joy was the love of his life, Barbara and family. They spent over 50 summers at their cottage on Bailey Island entertaining close friends and family. Claude was a devoted husband, father, and loved being a Papa. He enjoyed woodworking, sailing, bike riding, reading, and traveling around the world. His grandchildren always looked forward to tractor rides, playing hide and seek, and going for ice cream. Claude will always be remembered for his deep faith in God, a strong moral compass, and a keen sense of humor. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him dearly.

A celebration of Claude’s life will be held Thursday, September 28th at 1 p.m. at the Islands Community Church on Bailey Island. A reception will follow at Library Hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association (ALZ.org).

Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives, 155 Bath Road, Brunswick, ME 04011.