George Gary Messner

George Gary Messner, affectionately known to many as “Gei”, age 79, of Findlay Township, Clinton, PA, passed on Wednesday, February 9, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Messner and Alda (Ehle) Messner, eight brothers and sisters, and his wife of 53 years, Carol Messner. He is survived by five brothers and sisters, he was the beloved special father of Shannon Messner, and cherished by numerous friends.

George enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1960. He was sent to Korea where he discovered his camaraderie with his fellow soldiers. Enjoying this, he honed his joking sense of humor that continued the rest of his life. Honorably discharged in 1963, he went on to receive his Bachelor of Science in Education at Duquesne University. After graduation, George went to work at West Allegheny School District, McKee Elementary School, where he taught 5th grade for 25 years. He enjoyed teaching his students about outdoor education including how to tap trees to make maple syrup. He led the development of the nature trail at McKee. He started the annual Harvest Days Fall Festival and would make his delectable vegetable soup in the cauldron for the entire school.

George was an avid gardener who was blessed with a green thumb. He loved planting seeds, growing his own vegetables, and maintaining his beautiful flowerbeds. He enjoyed playing cards and hosting parties with his close friends. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout the years.

A celebration of life for his close friends and family will be held on Friday, April 8, 2022, in his log cabin from 4 – 8 PM, where a service will be conducted by Pastor Nancy Stanny at 6 PM.

Memorial donation in his memory may be sent to PA Wounded Warriors, Inc., 1117 Country Club Rd., Camp Hill, PA  17011.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George Gary Messner, please visit our floral store.