Stephen Messmer

Stephen Messmer, a long time resident of Artesia, passed away on June 9, 2013 in Port Allen, Louisiana following a long illness. Stephen was the son of Eireen Marshall Carson deceased and Joel Carson II. He graduated from Artesia High School in 1978. Stephen was an honor student and the 1978 Artesia High School Student Body President. Stephen was well known as a member of the Artesia Tennis Team. He and John Rhett Funk won the Boys Doubles at the district and regional 3A tennis tournaments and lost the championship round at the State Tournament in a tie breaker. Stephen also won the district and regional 3A tennis tournaments in Boys Singles, and was ranked third in the State. Stephen was an Eagle Scout, and instituted a reforestation program for parts of the Sacramento Mountains which had been ravaged by fire. Upon graduating from high school Stephen received his Bachelors degree from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. He moved to San Francisco, California to pursue a career in banking and later moved to Nevada where he continued to work in the banking industry. Stephens passion was travel and he spent substantial time traveling across the United States, Scandinavia, Southern Africa and Central America. Stephen is survived by his father Joel Carson II brothers Ron Carson, Reese Carson, Joel Carson III sister Michelle Matthews nephews James Matthews, Jacob Matthews, Reese Carson II, Mackenzie Price, Joel Carson IV and Christopher Carson Aunt Eileen Richardson cousins Cindy Case, Rick Richardson and Tracy Richardson. Stephen will be buried next to his mother Eireen in a private ceremony at Lovington, New Mexico. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Port Allen Care Center, 403 N. 15th Street, Port Allen, LA 70767.