Crop statistics are critical to growers and industry, but often overlooked when folks study the numbers are the many people behind the scenes dedicating their lives and careers to those statistics. Prior to his retirement in 2003, Paul N. Messenger dedicated over 50 years to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. He represented the Department and the State with authority and integrity in support of Florida’s agricultural economy. The success of the citrus forecasting program was attributable to Paul’s supervision and participation in the objective count surveys. Paul never failed to provide the tools, parameters, and guidance necessary to accurately analyze survey results. He trained numerous “Limb Counters” over the years and many went on to successful careers in the citrus industry.
Following is more details about Paul, and his services. This information is expected to be published in the Orlando Sentinel’s Wednesday, June 17, 2009 edition:
Paul Nelson Messenger
He was born the only child of Archie and Hilda Messenger in Hanover, NH on May 22, 1928. The family moved to the Winter Park, Florida area in 1938 where he has resided since. He passed away Sunday evening at the age of 81.
Paul graduated from Winter Park High School in 1946 and married his loving wife Sarah (Cathy) Cawthon in 1951. He is survived by her, and their three caring children: Joan Henderson, Elizabeth Thomas, and Bruce Messenger. He is also survived by eight wonderful grandchildren: Cassi and Haley Henderson, Jackson and Laurel Thomas, and Cathryn, Anne, Jennifer, and Hope Messenger.
He felt very fortunate to have a satisfying career in forecasting the Florida citrus production. When he retired, Paul had 57 years of creditable service with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This career included two years of active military service during the Korean conflict and consulting in Panama and Brazil in citrus forecasting procedures.
He enjoyed his extensive travels and contacts with many in the Florida area and in Washington, DC, through many years of changing situations. He was a member of the Old Timers associations of Winter Park and Orange County.
For the last six years Paul was able to live a comfortable retirement in “Florida Paradise” with his loving wife and continue his close relationship with all the children and grandchildren.
Calling hours will be Thursday, June 18th, 2009 from 6-8 pm. A memorial service will be held Friday, June 19th, 2009 at 11 am which will be led by the Rev. Labert Altemose. Paul’s friends, neighbors, and colleagues are invited to join the family for these two remembrances which will be held at the Carey Hand Cox-Parker Funeral Home located at 1350 West Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in Paul’s memory to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the charity of your choice.
Southeast AgNet appreciates Candi Erick and others in the Florida Ag Statistics office for their help in gathering information for this report.
USDA NASS