Deloit Lee Messersmith

Monday, January 25, 2016

May 15, 1933 - Jan. 23, 2016

HAYES CENTER. Neb. -- Deloit Lee Messersmith, age 82, of Hayes Center, Nebraska, passed away at the Kearney CHI Good Samaritan Hospital, on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016, due to a short battle with a rare form of cancer.

He was born near Moorefield, Nebraska, on the family farm to Lewis and Annabell (Kugler) Messersmith on May 15, 1933. He graduated from Stockville High School in 1951.

On July 5, 1951, he was united in marriage to Rachel "Joan" Amstuz in McCook, Nebraska. Raising seven children, the couple farmed and ranched in Hayes County.

Deloit was active in the community: a 4-H leader for the Sandhill Riders Club, Archer Oil Sales and a Fontanelle Seed Corn sales representative. He served on the school board for many years and enjoyed serving on the Village Board. He received the 4-H Friend Award, along with Archer Oil awards. Deloit enjoyed taking his children to many horse shows, was very mechanically inclined, remodeled many houses for family and friends, and was more than willing to help anyone in need. The highlight of Deloit's' life was attending his children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren's sporting events.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, Dorance; two grandchildren, Brandon and Holly Messersmith; and daughter-in-law, Jan Messersmith.

Deloit leaves to mourn his wife, Joan of Hayes Center; children, Steve Messersmith and wife, Beth of Curtis; Randy Messersmith of Wellfleet; Kathy Patterson and husband, Rich of Loveland, Colorado, Kenny Messersmith and wife, Sue of Hayes Center, Mike Messersmith and wife, Peggy of Hayes Center, Starla Richards and husband, Chip of Hayes Center, and TeAnn Egle and husband, Michael of Pinedale, Wyoming; nephew/son, Larry Goforth and wife, Laurie of Morro Bay, California; 24 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren, with three more great-grandchildren on the way: and three brothers, Leland and wife, Gloria of Cozad, Darrel and wife, Doris of McCook and Larry and wife, Jan of Maywood.

Funeral services will be on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016. at 10:30 a.m. at the Hayes Center High School old gym with Pastor Johnny Walker officiating. Interment will be in the Hayes Center Cemetery.

Visitation will be at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel (McCook) on Tuesday from noon to 6 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friends may leave on-line condolences at herrmannfh.com.

Herrmann Jones Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.