Robert L. Messick MILFORD - Robert L. Messick, of Milford, passed away Friday, July 23, 2010 at Bayhealth Milford Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family. He was 72. Mr. Messick was born on August 6, 1937 in Felton, son of the late David W. and Myrtle Mae (Legates) Messick. He served with the Delaware National Guard leaving with the rank of Sergeant. Mr. Messick was employed with General Foods in Dover as a supervisor in the Millwright Shop, retiring after 26 years with the company. Over those years Bob helped his father after work on the family farm and at retirement took over the daily farming operations full time. He also owned horses which he bred and raced. His love of playing baseball led to his selection in 1956 to the Brooklyn Dodgers Field Team. He also played softball with teams in Delaware. Bob was an avid trap shooter and was the Handicap Champion in Virginia in 1973. He was a member of the Greenbrier Hunting Club. On a regular basis Bob enjoyed sharing stories and local news over coffee with a group of friends at the Williamsville Store. In addition to his parents, Mr. Messick was preceded in death by a brother, David "Tiny" Messick; a sister, Sara Mae Wilson; and a grandson, Joseph Patton. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Norma L. Messick; a son and daughter-in-law, Rodney and Yolanda Messick of Lincoln; a daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Ronald Patton of Milford; three brothers, James Messick of Louisville, Kentucky, Paul Messick of Harrington and Richard "Toby" Messick of Felton; two sisters, Mattie Bowman of Greenwood and JoAnn Benson of Milford and three grandchildren, James Patton, Joshua Messick and Jacob Messick. Services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, July 26, 2010 at Rogers Funeral Home, 301 Lakeview Ave, Milford, where friends may call one hour prior. Burial will be held in Barratts Chapel Cemetery in Frederica. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, First State Chapter, 100 West 10th St, Wilmington, DE, 19801. Letters of condolence may be emailed at
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