David S. Messner

David S. Messner, 86, of Bethany Village, Mechanicsburg, PA, passed away peacefully at his home on July 11, 2025. Born April 19, 1939, in Strasburg, PA, he was the son of the late Robert J. and Lois (Stauffer) Messner.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Margaret (Miller) Messner and his son, Sterling Kent Messner, his daughter-in-law Deborah, two grandchildren Matthew and Madison of Quakertown, PA, and his brother James L. of Shenandoah, VA. David was preceded in death by his brother John Messner, and his sister Maribeth Kreider of Harrisonburg, VA.
David earned a BA degree in Philosophy from Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, VA in 1963, pursuing Master's degree requirements at the University of Virginia's Department of Philosophy from 1963-1966. In 1967, family circumstances produced a move to PA, where David jumped into graduate course work in early and urban education, subsequently studying regional planning, regional economics, business and public administration.
His professional life consisted of several short teaching stints; first as an interim instructor of Philosophy in the MS Hershey Medical Center's Department of Humanities, and for a summer term at Lebanon Valley College. David subsequently worked in various positions in the PA Department of Community Affairs, as Chief of the Regional Planning Division, Manager of the Enterprise Zone Program and Chief of the Targeted Development Division.
David's interest in community improvements led him to become Chairman of the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority from 1978-1981, Secretary of the Harrisburg Parking Authority from 1983-1996, and a one-term member of the American Nuclear Society. He was also active in his church, St. Stephen's Episcopal Cathedral, where he was a two-term vestry member, and 20-year choir member.
Finding decades of enjoyment in teaching himself to play a pipe organ, David was also involved with the local chapter of the American Guild of Organists. His ideal vacation was attending regional pipe organ conventions across the country, one of many reasons his wife lovingly bestowed upon him the title of "Renaissance Man."
A celebration of David's life will be on July 26, 2025, at 11:00 o'clock at St. Stephen's Episcopal Cathedral, 221 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA. Inurnment will be in the Columbarium in the Bishops' Garden at the cathedral immediately following the service. A reception will be held in the upper croft of the cathedral, following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Stephen's Episcopal Cathedral (221 N. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101), the Central Pennsylvania Arthritis Foundation (3544 N. Progress Ave., Suite 201, Harrisburg, PA 17110), or the Southern Poverty Law Center (400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104).
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Myers-Baker Funeral & Cremation Services, 1903 Market Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011