Obituary of William Messersmith II

William Edward Messersmith II William (Bill) Messersmith II, 86 of Morris, passed away peacefully, Sunday July 6, 2008 at home with his family at his side. Born December 27, 1921 in Tillamook, Oregon, he was a son of the late William Sr. and Charlotte (Long) Messersmith. On April 23, 1951 in Springfield, Illinois he married Lila "Peg" Nance. Bill served in the U.S. Army from July 1942 until his honorable discharge in November 1945 Bill was a farmer most of his life. In his spare time he worked at Caterpillar in Joliet, retiring at age 65. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Lila "Peg"; children, William E. (Rose) Messersmith III of Henderson, Texas, Crystal (Ray) Bailey of Braidwood, Illinois, Clarence Messersmith of Crestview, Florida, Lawrence (Gail) Messersmith of Plattville, Illinois, David (Susan) Messersmith of Jacksonville, Arkansas, Candy (James) Olson of Lisbon, Illinois, James (Nancy) Messersmith of LaSalle, Illinois, and Pat Messersmith of Morris, Illinois. Bill has seventeen grandchildren: Amy (Jeremy) Brewer, Michael Bailey, Michelle (Steven) Dennett, Tracy, Johnny, Gary and Shaun Messersmith, Jeremy (Christina), Chad (fiancee Tara) Messersmith, Ryan (Kelly), Galan (Sarah) Messersmith, Benjamin and Angela Olson, Eric and Julie Messersmith, Patrick and Taylor Messersmith and ten great-grandchildren. Numerous brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews also survive. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, a brother and a granddaughter. Memorial Services for William E. Messersmith II will be Friday July 11, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Christ, 1330 Old Pine Bluff Rd., Morris at 10:00 a.m. Minister James Olson Officiating. As it was William's request, cremation rites have been accorded. Inurnment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. NO VISITATION. Arrangements by: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 1201 W. Route 6 at Deerpath Drive, Morris For Information: (815) 942-5040