Former MPD Assistant Chief Messick Dies Of COVID-19

(MURFREESBORO) Our community has lost another long-time leader, retired Murfreesboro Police Assistant Chief Lonnie Messick passed away as a result of COVID-19 on Saturday (12/19/2020).

He was an MTSU graduate and served this community for 32-years. He retired from the Murfreesboro Police Department in 1998.

Messick loved walking horses and in 1973 became one of the first Designated Qualified Persons (DQP) with the National Horse Shoe Commission. In fact, he served with that organization for almost 30-years. His leadership abilities were seen in his various roles from being a licensed judge to Executive Vice President and Director of Animal Welfare/DQP Services. He retired from that organization in December, 2008.

Family members said that Lonnie was admitted to St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital on Wednesday (12/9/2020) with double-pneumonia and also testing positive with COVID-19.

Remembering Lonnie

Former State Representative John Hood said, "Lonnie was a great member of the Murfreesboro Police Department. He was dedicated to his work, a professional lawman. And a warm human being. He will be truly missed!"

Rutherford County Election Administrator Alan Farley told WGNS, "I am saddened to hear the news of Lonnie’s passing. I grew up with his three sons. His middle son Brian and I were close friends. Brian died in 1990 in a car accident

Lonnie was a quiet person that kept to himself but he enjoyed people and loved horses.

He was a forgiving person that saw the good in everyone. He was always fair but stern. He loved Tennessee Walking horses and spent numerous hours working with horses and in the horse industry after his retirement from MPD. Lonnie spent his retirement years involved with maintaining the integrity of horse soaring inspections at horse shows. He always has a strong code of ethics whether as a law enforcement officer, in the walking horse industry or just in everyday life.

Lonnie took the death of his middle son Brian extremely hard. Brian was only 21 at his death.

The first thing that came immediately to my mind when I heard of Lonnie’s passing was his heavenly reunion with Brian. I know that brought him great happiness.

He will be missed by everyone who knew him. "

Services

Visitation will be this coming Saturday (12/26/2020) from 9:00-11:00AM at Woodfin Funeral Chapel, 1488 Lascassas Pike. The service will begin at 11:00AM at Woodfin. In lie of flowers, donations may be made to the Walking Horse Owners Association.

CLICK HERE to see the complete obituary notice.

Please share your memories of Lonnie Messick. E-mail them to news@wgnsradio.com.