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David MESSERSMITH Obituary
He was a native of Baltimore, Md., and served from 1943 to 1946 in the U. S. Army during World War II. He received the Purple Heart for combat wounds he sustained during the France and Germany campaigns. He went on to become an Industrial Engineer and retired from Western Electric after 40 years of service. After retirement, and longing to live near the ocean, he and his late wife, Julie, moved to Ocean City, Md., and then to Millville, Del. During this time David and Julie were two of the founding members of Community Lutheran Church in Millville, Del. In 1996 he and Julie moved to Warwick Forest in Newport News. He was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Hampton, and served as a Trustee and as the Financial Secretary. Mr. Messersmith respected everyone equally. He was considered and will be remembered as "a true gentleman".
Mr. Messersmith was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Julie Ann Messersmith; parents, Elsie and Theodore Messersmith; and brothers, Ernest Messersmith and Elmer Messersmith.
He is survived by two sons, David Messersmith Jr. and wife, Martha, and Carl Messersmith and wife, Patricia; five grandchildren, Jason Messersmith and wife, Sarah, Lt. Stacy Nilsen and husband, David, PFC Bryan Messersmith and wife, Christine, Scott Messersmith and wife, Kay, and Kelley Morton and husband, Roy; four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, a nephew, great nieces and great nephews.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Bartol and the nurses serving the third floor annex of Riverside Regional Medical Center; Dr. Ward and the nurses of the Gardens at Warwick Forest; Dr. Valerio, Kathleen Hogge and the staff at Warwick Forest; Visiting Angels and Riverside Hospice for their care, compassion and concern.
A celebration of David's life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church officiated by Pastor Jacob May. Inurnment will be private at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 23 Semple Farm Road, Hampton, VA 23666. Online condolences may be made to www.claytorrollins.com.
Claytor Rollins Funeral Home, Poquoson, is in charge of arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David MESSERSMITH
4 Entries
Dave Messersmith
April 14, 2024
My condolences to the family. I did not know David, but ran across him during a search for other Davids. My name is also David Messersmith, from Houston. I know it has been a lot of years, but trusting that your faith has been a restorative force over this time. All the best.
Mary Ellen Urban
December 2, 2010
For many years at Warwick Forest Retirement Community, my Mother, Dee Stone, was one of David's independent living dinner partners along with Anne Woodward and Gordon Martens. They were a special family into themselves meeting for dinner sharing their day and family news. Even when Mom and Gordon moved to assisted living the friends phone each other often.
When my daughter and I visit Mom, David was always so kind to treat us to Warwick Forest dinner with the dinner partners.
We will remember David as a kind, caring Christian man. Mom, Anne and Gordon have lost a dear friend.
Jerry rUMMEL
November 19, 2010
Dear Dave and Martha. Janet and I share your loss of your father. We know of your close association. May God be with you both in these trying times.
I spend much time at Warwick Forrest as a Chaplain and met Don Ray's mother during services there - but how sad a failed to know your Dad was also there. He was a good honest and kind man - he made you both proud. Godbless. Janet and Jerry Rummel
Cindy Hitt
November 19, 2010
Dave and Martha, I was saddened to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. I will be unable to attend 'his celebration of life' due to other committments. God Bless and many prayers.
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