Addis Messersmith

Addis Christopher Messersmith, age 93, died December 4, 2008, at the Chanute Health Care Center in Chanute, Kansas. He had been in failing health for the past several months. Mr. Messersmith was a life-long resident of Montgomery County, but spent the past two years in Humboldt to be close to his daughter. Mr. Messersmith was born May 2, 1915, to Ephraim and Cora Mae Drake Messersmith in a home south of Coffeyville. He attended the Banks and Ringo rural elementary schools, and graduated from Tyro high school in the spring of 1935. He and his family lived in Dearing for most of his adult married life. He worked for the Montgomery County bridge and road crew for about 34 years, until his retirement in May of 1980. Mr. Messersmith married Mildred Comstock Hughes on September 4, 1946, in Independence, Kansas. The couple started their marriage living in both Dearing and Coffeyville, but soon settled in Dearing. They had two children, Chris and Janice. Mr. Messersmith was well-known as a master gardener, a good neighbor, fellow worker and friend, and a very fine horseshoes player. He is survived by his daughter, Janice Horn of Humboldt, four grandchildren, and several great grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Mildred; his son, Chris; six sisters; and his half-brother. Funeral service will be held Monday, December 8, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at Penwell-Gabel Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel. Rev. Jeff Owen will officiate. Burial will follow at Robbins Cemetery west of Coffeyville, Kansas. Friends may call on Sunday, December 7, 2008 from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. to sign the guest register. Family will greet friends from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Penwell-Gabel Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chanute Health Care Center van fund, or Hospice Care of Kansas in care of Penwell-Gabel Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel.