William E. Messersmith

William E. Messersmith, 87, of Montoursville, passed away May 4, 2024.

William spent his entire life involved with farming and agriculture. He retired following 40 years as a county agricultural agent with Penn State Cooperative Extension. Bill began his career in Susquehanna County and spent the majority of his years serving Lycoming County, several of which he was the County Extension Director. As agricultural agent, he was very active in the Lycoming County 4-H program, various county farm organizations, and the Pennsylvania Farm Show. Many of his clients and 4-H participants remained close friends throughout his life.

Born in May 3, 1937, at Mooresburg, Montour County, he was the son of Clarence and Verona Messersmith. He was raised on the family farm and maintained close ties with that farm and its land as well as the Mooresburg Presbyterian Church.

William is survived by his wife of nearly 64 years, the former Doris Auten and their children, Diane (Marc) Haas, Doug (Bonnie) Messersmith, Dave (Annie) Messersmith, and Dan (Amy) Messersmith as well as grandchildren Jessi (Jea) Ayrer, Ben (Marla) Haas, Casey Haas, Brandon (Megan) Messersmith, Gretchen (Curt) Boatman, Emma Messersmith, Isabella Messersmith, Samuel Messersmith, Nathan Messersmith, and Olivia Messersmith, eight great-grandchildren, sister Ruth (Earl) Erb, brother Dwight Messersmith, and sister Nancy (Dennis) Gunzenhauser.

He was predeceased by his parents, daughter Doreen Messersmith, and sister-in-law Nancy Messersmith.

Bill earned several accolades for his career professionalism, knowledge, and communication skills. He was a member of the Pennsylvania Association of County Agricultural Agents, serving as its President in 1984-85 and being a recipient of its Distinguished Service Award. The Pennsylvania Game Commission recently honored him with its Dedicated Service Award in recognition of his 60 years as an instructor of Hunter’s Safety and Shooting Sports programs. He also previously served on the Lycoming County Conservation District’s advisory board and was a certified National Rifle Association instructor, teaching and mentoring many over the years including 4-H Shooting Sports.

He frequently participated in American Red Cross blood drives, donating several gallons throughout the years. A long-time member of the Loyalsock Rod and Gun Club, Bill viewed the camp and its fellow members as part of his extended family. Additionally, he was an active member of the Williamsport Kiwanis Club and continued to attend Kiwanis events well into his retirement.

Bill was a graduate of Danville High School and Penn State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in animal husbandry and a graduate degree in cooperative extension education. He was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky, while serving in the Army in the early 1960s and also was part of the Pennsylvania Army Reserves.

A deeply religious man, Bill was an Elder and past Clerk of Session at the Montoursville Presbyterian Church. He recently inspired church members by sharing how he developed his faith and how that faith played a role in his life.

Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. May 14, at the Montoursville Presbyterian Church, 900 Elm Street, Montoursville, with the Rev. David Smith, his pastor, officiating. Friends may call from 5 – 7 p.m. on May 13, at McCarty-Thomas Funeral Home, 733 Broad Street, Montoursville. Burial will be in the Mooresburg Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family respectfully suggests memorial contributions be made to Lycoming County 4-H Penn State Extension, 542 County Farm Road #206, Montoursville, Pa 17754 or the Montoursville Presbyterian Church, 205 Tule Street, Montoursville, Pa 17754.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at mccartythomas.com.