Edgar Messersmith

Funeral services for Edgar Otto Messersmith, 90, of Cullman will be at 11 a.m. Friday, March 2, 2012, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, the Rev. Warren Ruland officiating, with internment in Cullman City Cemetery. The body will lie in state from 10 to 11 a.m.

Moss-Service Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Messersmith died Tuesday, Feb. 28, at Cullman Regional Medical Center. He was born Aug. 24,1921, to Herbert J. and Adaline Dahlke Messersmith. He was retired from Modernistic Printers. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II from Oct. 12, 1942-Jan. 26, 1946. He served as a gunners mate third class. He traveled many places during this time including Alaska, Australia, Hawaii, New Guinea and South America, aboard several merchant vessels including SS Jefferson, SS Schedectady, SS Sea Snipe and other vessels. He had many interesting stories about his travels while in the service. Edgar was a lifelong member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church where he served as an elder, usher and was an active member of the "Jolly Sixties" fellowship group.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and five brothers, Walter Messersmith, Henry Messersmith Sr., Martin Messersmith, Albert Messersmith and Irvin Messersmith.

He is survived by his wife, Bobbie Messersmith; a son, Phillip Messersmith of Alabaster, Ala.; a daughter, Kathy (Wendell) Burnette of Cullman, Ala.; a sister, Clara Polster of Rockford, Tennessee; four grandsons, Anthony (Amanda) Hill of Cullman, Ala., Joshua (Candace) Hill of Cullman, Ala., Austin Messersmith and Nathan Messersmith of Alabaster, Ala.; two step-granddaughters, Rachel Brauer of Cullman, Ala. and Tonia (Randy) Rogers of Vinemont, Ala.; six great-grandchildren, Jennifer Jester, Alexzandria Hill, Valerie Hill, Cade Brauer, Kelsey Rogers and Clay Rogers; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and beloved friends.

The family requests that memorials be given to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 513 Fourth Avenue South East, Cullman, AL 35055.

Visitation will be from 6-9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.