Joseph Leon Messick, phone co. retiree

Joseph Leon Messick (Cottony), 94, of Georgetown passed away in the care of his family and Vitas Hospice Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020. Joseph was born Oct. 8, 1925, in Milton to the late John S. and Estella Smith Messick. 
At the age of 17 Joseph enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WWII.  Prior to the end of military service, he married Joan Davis and together they raised three children. He worked for Diamond State Telephone Company and was past vice president of the union. He became a member of and past president of the Telephone Co. Pioneers.  
Joseph loved hunting and fishing, but most of all was devoted to his family, and loved spoiling his grandchildren. He loved to be around people, loved hospitality, and lived by “there’s always room for one more.”

Joseph is survived by his wife, Joan; and three children: Susan G. Messick, Karen Messick-Atkins (husband E. Bennett Atkins III) and David A. Messick. Also surviving are his three grandchildren: Jodie Reilly (husband Matthew J. Reilly), Robert “Scott” Walker and Jillian Strobel (husband Matthew C. Strobel). There are four great-grandchildren: Blake Reilly, Kendall Reilly, Gideon Strobel and Daniel Strobel. Joseph is survived by one brother: Walter N. Messick.  In addition to his parents, Joseph was preceded by four sisters and seven brothers.  

Rites of Committal and Military Honors will be conferred Friday, Feb. 28, at 1 p.m., at  Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Georgetown Historical Society, 510 S. Bedford St., Georgetown, DE 19947.

Electronic condolences to: www.watsonfh.com