Linden Lee Messick, racing enthusiast

Linden Lee "Buddy" Messick, 70, of Marysville, Wash., formerly of Milton, passed away Wednesday, April 20, 2016, in his home.

Buddy was born Dec. 21, 1945, in Milford, to James Edwin and Pauline (Smith) Messick. He graduated from Georgetown High School class of 1963. In high school Buddy participated in the FFA, and upon graduation he served four years in the United States Air Force. He was well known, liked and respected in the racing circuits on both the East and West Coasts, with a love of dirt tracks and sprint cars. Buddy owned and operated an auto shop, restaurant and trucking company during his days in Milton and spent multiple decades driving trucks. Still today his love of racing and classic vehicle restoration is what he did in his free time.

Buddy is survived by his wife of several years Donna Lee; three daughters: Barbara Lee Messick of Marysville, Terri Lee Messick of London, Shelly (Kory) Knudson of Marshfield, Wis., and beloved stepdaughter Carol (Clarke) Droney of Millville; 13 grandchildren, Seth, Summersday Awna, Karter Knudson Marshfield, Wis., Jennifer Clifton, Bear, Mary, Christopher Messick, Marysville, Theodore Cartwright, Seattle, Wash., Cory, Aaron Atkins, Boise, Idaho, Richie Walls, Mark, Jay, and Katie Droney; and six deeply loved great-grandchildren: Keli, Aubree, Tyler, Caitlyn, Collin, and Melody.

He is also survived by three brothers, James E. (Ann) Messick Jr. of Georgetown, Ronnie (Mary Katherine) Messick of Ellendale, and Joseph Andrew (Tracie) of Warner Robins, Ga.; four sisters: Clara (Jim) Tackett of Milford, Edie Banzhof and Lois (Terry) Wiley of Wedowee, Ala., and Rebecca (Darrell) Fisher of Kyle, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life gathering will be held in Delaware at a later date.