Dwayne Elton Messner

November 15, 1953 - November 22, 2021

Dwayne Elton Messner, 68, of Caney, KS, a lifelong agriculture educator and mentor, passed away on Nov. 22, 2021. Dwayne was born Nov. 15, 1953, in WaKeeney, KS, to Claude E. and Eleanor J. (Orlowski) Messner. He was a 1971 graduate of Caney Valley High School in Caney, KS. Dwayne continued his education at Kansas State, earning his master’s degree in animal science, and was a fan of the K-State Wildcats. Passion for ag was Dwayne’s life, and he began his teaching career at Coffeyville Public Schools in June 1983 and continued there until August 2007. After that time, he taught at Caney Valley Public Schools in Caney, KS, from 2007 to 2015, when he retired. A few years after his retirement, he was asked to begin an ag program at the Independence Public Schools. He worked diligently to help build the program for two years in 2018 and 2019. Dwayne loved teaching ag and dearly loved his students. Over the years he had received numerous comments from his former students about how he impacted their lives. After his retirement, Dwayne spent his days devoted to his family, especially his grandchildren. He never missed any of their rodeos or the boys’ basketball games. Anytime his family would call him, he would drop everything to come over or go places with them. Dwayne was a family man and was always taking care of everyone. He was loving, patient, and giving. His family members said they hope they can be even half of the good person Dwayne was. He was their safety net and his family said he could fix anything. He was loved and respected by all who knew him and will be dearly missed. Dwayne and Carlotta Gordon were together for 25 years and they enjoyed working and spending time together. Survivors include Dwayne’s significant other, Carlotta Gordon of Caney, KS; her son Brian Gordon of Pasadena, CA; two sons, Matt Messner and wife Lyndsee of Copan, and Dustin Messner of Caney, KS; one sister, Gail Padden of Lawrence, KS; one brother, Darrel Messner of Caney, KS; five grandchildren, Ty Messner, Gavin Messner, Braydon Messner, Eli Messner, and Maysa Messner. In addition to his parents, Dwayne was preceded in death by his son, Derek Messner; and a sister, Patty Anderson. Dwayne’s family will receive friends at Tyro Christian Church in Tyro, KS, from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2. Visitation will also be held on Thursday from 4-8 at Tyro Christian Church. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3 at Tyro Christian Church with Evangelist David Bycroft officiating. Interment will follow at a later time in the Sunnyside Cemetery in Caney, KS. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home – Dewey Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.