Joseph Clarke Messler of Gainesville, Florida, passed away peacefully on Thursday October 28, 2021 at the age of 88.
Clarke was born March 19, 1933 in Dayton, Ohio, where he spent his childhood before moving to the city of Sanford, Florida with his family during his teens. He served his country for four years as a member of the United States Marine Corps and was stationed for the best part of his military career in the state of Hawaii.
Upon completing his military service, Clarke returned to Florida to pursue a collegiate education at the University of Florida, in Gainesville, earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He was happily wed to his bride, Ms. Joni (Saunders) Messler of Sanford, Florida, for sixty-three years. The couple settled to make Gainesville their home, where he completed a decades-long career with the General Electric Company. Through his loving support and dedication to their shared love of the art of dance and her efforts of providing dance instruction, he made immeasurable contributions that undoubtedly have provided a lifetime of positive influence in the lives of countless children, young adults, families and the community at large.
Clarke was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Wallace and Geraldine Lamb Messler. He is survived by his wife Joni Saunders Messler of Gainesville, and his sister Marilyn Messler Garner (Wade) of Casselberry, FL, and numerous nieces and nephews.
