Darrel Wayne Messersmith

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

Darrel was born October 22, 1938 in Hayes Center, NE 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 October 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 1 year and 2 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 Nebraska, 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 eleven 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, NE and her children Kaylee and Kelcie;  Angela (Robert) Mockry of McCook and their children Sarah, Jacob, Rebecca and Aleece (Travis) Priest and their daughter, Alexanderia;  son Darin Messersmith of McCook; brothers Leland (Gloria) Messersmith of Cozad, NE and Larry (Jan) Messersmith of Maywood, NE; 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 held on Thursday, July 7, 2016 from 1 to 8 PM at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook.  The family will be present to greet friends from 5 to 7 PM.

A Funeral Service honoring Darrel’s life will be held on Friday, July 8, 2016, 10:30 AM, at the 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.