Darrel W. Messersmith

Darrel W. Messersmith

Oct. 22, 1938 - July 2, 2016

McCOOK, Neb. -- Darrel W. Messersmith, age 77, of McCook, passed away Saturday, July 2, 2016, at Community Hospital in McCook.

Darrel was born Oct. 22, 1938, in Hayes Center, Neb., to parents, Lewis Ivan and Annabella (Kugler) Messersmith. He was one of five children who grew up in Hayes Center, graduating from Hayes Center High School in 1957.

Following his graduation from high school, Darrel attended technical school in Kansas City, where he studied auto body repair.

Darrel married the love of his life, Doris Hansen, on Oct. 21, 1961 in Hayes Center. The couple was blessed with four children; Darrel, Sharriea, Angela and Darin.

Darrel was drafted into the United States Army in September 1961. He proudly served his country as an M.P. ( Military Police) in Korea for one year and two years in the motor pool in the National Guard and Army Reserve, while earning sharpshooter and marksman recognition. Darrel was honorably discharged in October 1967.

Making their home in McCook, Darrel was an active member of the community. He was a member of the McCook VFW and the McCook Eagles Club. He took great pride helping in maintaining his and Doris' lawn around their home. Country swing dancing with his bride was something the couple often did together. There wasn't anything Darrel couldn't fix. He loved working with his hands and was very skilled at repair work. When he wasn't cheering for his grandchildren or dancing with Doris, Darrel could be found either playing pool with friends or fixing something people said couldn't be fixed. Nothing made him happier than playing with his grandchildren.

Darrel spent most of his life working as a mechanic in McCook for various garages and for the past 11 years at Carquest and AmPride. He never knew a stranger and enjoyed visiting with individuals as he helped them fuel their vehicles, making sure they had a clean windshield before going on their way.

Darrel is survived by his wife, Doris, of their home in McCook; son, Darrel (Rita) Messersmith and their children, Kasha and Andrew of McCook; daughter, Sharriea Burke of Stratton, Neb., and her children, Kaylee and Kelcie; Angela (Robert) Mockry of McCook and their children, Sarah, Jacob, Rebecka and Aleece (Travis) Priest and their daughter, Alexanderia; son, Darin Messersmith of McCook; brothers, Leland (Gloria) Messersmith of Cozad, Neb., and Larry (Jan) Messersmith of Maywood, Neb.; as well as sister-in-law, Joan Messersmith of Hayes Center. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Darrel is preceded in death by his parents; infant sibling, Dorance; and most recently, his brother, Deloit Messersmith of Hayes Center.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 7, 2016, from 1 to 8 p.m., at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook. The family will be present to greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m.

A funeral service honoring Darrel's life will be on Friday, July 8, 2016, 10:30 a.m., at Memorial United Methodist Church in McCook with Pastor Alisa Parde officiating.

Burial with Military Honors will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, also located in McCook.

Memorial contributions are suggested in Darrel's name.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit our website at www.carpenterbreland.com to sign the online guestbook for the Messersmith family.