Gene Messmore, 86, of Warsaw, Ind., passed away at 2:20 p.m. Saturday, April 12, 2014, in his residence.

He was born May 24, 1927, to George Clarence and Ethel Mae (Besse) Messmore in Mishawaka, Ind.

He was a longtime Kosciusko County, Ind., resident. He was united in marriage to N. Jean Werstler in Pierceton, Ind., on Oct. 1, 1949, who preceded on Nov. 21, 2002.

He faithfully served his country in the 783rd United States Army Air Corps as a Private First Class from Nov. 23, 1945, to May 4, 1947.

He was a self-employed dairy and grain farmer for 35 years. In addition, he was employed by DaLite Screen of Warsaw in the Shipping Department retiring in 2004 after 19 years of service. Gene enjoyed many hobbies including singing in gospel groups, popping kettle corn, serving with the Jonah fish fry, serving as a 4-H leader and council member and serving as a steward for the North Winona Church of the Brethern for 28 years where he was a member.

Survivors include two sons: Bruce (Pam) Messmore, Pierceton; and Brent (Renea) Messmore, Pierceton; a sister: Marie Trump, Pierceton; grandchildren: Lori (Kenny) Montgomery, Julie (Ernesto) Garafalo, Matt (Erica) Reed, Phil (Tiffany) Reed, Amanda (Adam) Hopkins, Steve (Rachael) Messmore, Shana Messmore and Valerie Messmore; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, five brothers and one sister.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, in the funeral home. Military Honors will be rendered by the Warsaw American Legion Post #49 and VFW Post #1126. Interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery, Pierceton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the 4H Council Memo Dairy Barn, 202 W. Main St., Warsaw, IN 46580; or Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund, P.O. Box 1810, Warsaw, IN 46580.

To sign the guest register or leave condolences electronically, go to
McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels website.