Delmas A. Messick, 88, died Tuesday at Greenleaf Health Center. The Elkhart native was born Feb 8, 1924 to Carl F. and Edna (Flowers) Messick, who preceded Del in death. He served in the US Army during WWII and on August 11, 1945 he married Esther A. Ritter in Elkhart. He retired in 1978 as an Inspector at Excel Corporation in Elkhart after 36 years with the company. He was a member of Osceola Church of the Brethren; enjoyed country music, Notre Dame Football and the Chicago Cubs. "He was a devoted husband, a wonderful son, brother, father and grandfather." In addition to his parents, Delmas was preceded in death by his brothers, Carl & Maynard. Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Esther A. Messick of Elkhart; daughters, Schryl (Perry) Shank of Walkerton, Deborah (Michael) Peffley of Elkhart and Gail (John) Pietzak of Fishers; his son, Mark Messick of Elkhart; brother, Gene (Melba) Messick of Elkhart; 9 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. Funeral Services 10:00 Thursday October 4, 2012 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Hwy. Friends may call 2-4 & 6-8pm Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens with military honors. The family''s preferred memorial is St. Jude Children''s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

"For ease and simplicity in ordering your sympathy floral arrangements, online and from the comfort & convenience of your home or office, please visit us at www.memorygardensfloral.com. There are numerous photographs from which to browse and a price range for every budget. This is not a wire service, we are a local floral service under the complete direction and supervision of the staff at Chapel Hill Funeral Home. Please contact us for your floral needs."