Rex Leon Messersmith, age 67, of McCook, NE passed away at his home in McCook on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

Rex was born November 11, 1958 in McCook to parents Leland I and Gloria M (Cox) Messersmith. He was one of eight siblings who grew up in Cozad, NE and graduated from Cozad High School with the Class of 1978.

Rex married Lorraine C (Gaboury) Messersmith on May 17, 1980 in Cozad. The couple was blessed with three daughters: Nicole, Brittany and Katie. Rex owned Culligan Water in McCook for 44 years and worked, in semi-retirement, at Priority Medical in McCook. In his free time, Rex enjoyed jeeping in the mountains, especially in Moab, UT. He was a volunteer fireman for the Bartley, NE community and worked on many controlled burns over the years. He enjoyed trap shooting, being a “foodie” and will be remembered for his ability to tell a good story.

Rex’s children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. He enjoyed all different sports; his favorite was wrestling. Some of his fondest memories were from coaching his kids’ teams throughout the years.

Rex was preceded in death by his grandparents; and a nephew, Ivan Messersmith.

Those left to celebrate his memory include his wife, Lorraine Messersmith of McCook, NE; daughters, Nicole Marie Messersmith of Deadwood, SD, Brittany Ann Burton of Valparaiso, NE and Katie Lynn Messersmith of Lincoln, NE; parents, Leland and Gloria Messersmith of Cozad, NE; brothers, Chuck (Mary) Messersmith of Chandler, AZ, Shawn (Carol) Messersmith of Grand Island, NE and Shane (Marla) Messersmith of Indianola, NE; sisters, Tami (Doug) Sturgeon of Cozad, NE, Serena Winter of Gothenburg, NE, Sherilyn (Bob) Stott of Cozad, NE and Jolene (Jeremy) Heins of Cozad, NE; eight grandchildren, Hunter, Jude, Creighton, Brooklyn, Millie, Tessa, Rex Tyler and Charlie; two great granddaughters, Evelyn and Eleanor; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Memorial contributions are suggested in Rex’s name for future designation and may be directed to Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, c/o the Messersmith Family, PO Box 476, McCook, NE 69001.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7p on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, McCook.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2p on Friday, February 20, 2026 at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home with Pastor James Helm officiating.

Burial will follow in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, rural Bartley, NE.