Steven LaVon Messervy passed away on Monday, November 20, 2023, at the age of 70. While growing up as the son of an Army officer, Steven called Huntsville home, where he built his family and spent most of his career. He earned two degrees from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, a Master’s from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he was named a Sloan Fellow, and later, a Doctorate in Operations Research and Systems Analysis. He enjoyed a 36-year career as a Department of Defense civilian, including the Deputy Program Executive Officer for Missiles and Space, the general manager of the NATO Medium Extended Air Defense System Management Agency, his career culminating as the Deputy to the Commanding General, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, where he retired from federal service in 2012. He also spent 30 years as an officer in the Army reserves, retiring as a Colonel in 2008. Post retirement, Steven returned to work at the University of Alabama, Huntsville, retiring in July 2023 as the Director of the Research Institute.
Steven also enjoyed serving in his personal life. He volunteered his time to professional, civic, and religious organizations. He was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Steven recently spent two years as a lay minister and senior ecclesiastical leader, Branch President, at the Fort Payne branch, lovingly and faithfully serving alongside his wife. Steven coached little league ball teams and was privileged to dedicate many years as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 76.
He is preceded in death by his parents LaVon and Roma Messervy, and brother, Richard Messervy.
Steven is survived by his wife and best friend, Donna; their four sons Mark Messervy, Chris Messervy, and wife Kim, Michael Messervy and wife Anna, and William Messervy, and wife Kate; grandchildren, Cory, Tabitha, Hallie, Madison Stubbs, and husband Isaac, Jack, Kate, Madison, John Michael, Ella, Davis, Henry, and Charlie; and his siblings Janet, Mike, and Diane.
Arrangement have been entrusted to Spry Funeral Home of Huntsville. All services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, off Byrd Springs Rd. on Saturday, November 25, 2023. Visitation will be held from 11:00am – 12:45pm, with the Funeral Service following at 1:00pm. The procession will directly proceed to Huntsville Memory Gardens following the Funeral Service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Elm Foundation (www.elmhsv.org), in memoriam.
