Paul D. Messner III, 73

CHESTERTOWN, Md. - Paul D. Messner III of Chestertown died Nov. 1, 2006, in his home. He was 73.

Mr. Messner was born June 16, 1933, in Paxton, Pa., son of the late Paul D. Jr. and Ethel Lenore Tobias Messner.

He grew up in Rome, N.Y., and graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1951. He received a degree in ceramic engineering from Alfred University in 1955.

Mr. Messner moved to Milwaukee and worked for Allis-Chalmers until he was drafted in the U.S. Army.

He was honorably discharged in 1958 and returned to Milwaukee continuing his employment with Allis Chalmers. In 1959, he moved to Norristown, Pa., and began working for Resco Products as a ceramic engineer. He retired in 1997.

He enjoyed woodworking and playing golf.

Mr. Messner was a member of the Chestertown Lions Club, an active member of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church and a member of the brotherhood of St. Andrew. He and his wife are volunteers for the Chester River Hospital and participants in the Food Link program.

He is survived by his wife, Janet, whom he married Aug. 10, 1957; four children, Barbara Ann Johnson of Conshocken, Pa., Jonathan D. Messner of Washington, Pa., Jeffrey P. Messner of Maple Glen, Pa., and Christopher W. Messner of Plymouth Meeting, Pa.; a brother, Harold E. Messner of Rapid City, S.D.; a sister, Patricia Ann Galbraith of Enid, Okla.; nine grandchildren, Melanie, Brett, Christine, Sarah, Brian, Daniel, Brandon, Matthew, and Colleen; and a great-granddaughter, Aubrey.

Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday in Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Chestertown.

Burial will be in Christ I.U. Episcopal Cemetery.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Chester River Home Health and Hospice, 6602 Church Hill Road, Chestertown, MD 21620; or American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 711, Chestertown, MD 21620.

Arrangements by Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, Chestertown.