Edward B. and Barbara T. Messick, IRSD retirees

Edward B. Messick passed away Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, and his wife, Barbara “Bobbie,” passed away Friday, Jan. 27, 2023.

Both Ed and Bobbie were born, worked, lived and passed away in Delaware. Ed was born June 19, 1943, to the late Clifford Messick Sr. and Dorothy Burton Messick of Millsboro. Bobbie was born March 17, 1940, to the late Robert and Ethel Buchler Tanner of Wilmington. 

Both were retired from Indian River School District. Ed was a teacher, coach and mentor. Bobbie was a speech therapist to students. Their passions included spending time together, teaching, traveling, skiing and scuba diving, and they were avid dog lovers.

Ed is preceded in death by several siblings, Shirley Pettit of Millsboro, Clifford Messick Jr. of Magnolia, and Bonnie J. Messick, Richard Messick and Ted Messick, all of Millsboro. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Susan Messick of Millsboro. Bobbie is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Donna Tanner of Florida. Both are survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. 

A service for both Ed and Bobbie will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 5, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro. A viewing and visitation will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Conley’s Chapel Cemetery in Angola, with fellowship to follow at Indian River Fire Company in Oak Orchard. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Long Neck Village HOA, 25878 Starboard Drive, Millsboro, DE 19966, in remembrance of Edward Messick Memorial Dog Park. 

Electronic condolences via watsonfh.com.