Jack H. Mesner
1931-2018
Jack Heggy Mesner, age 87, of Hagerstown, MD, died on Saturday, June 9, 2018 in Hagerstown after a short illness.
Born January 14, 1931 in Berkeley Springs, WV, he was the son of the late James and Lillie (Newell) Mesner.
Jack was a graduate of Berkeley Springs High School and studied engineering at West Virginia University in Morgantown on an AFROTC scholarship, where he met his wife, Patsy Stevenson. They were married in 1952. He was called up for active duty during the Korean War and achieved a lifelong dream by completing flight training and becoming a pilot, flying B-26s with the 17th Bomb Group in Korea. After completing his active duty tour, Jack joined the 167th Squadron of the West Virginia Air National Guard in Martinsburg, eventually serving 27 years and retiring as a Lt. Colonel.
Jack was a lifelong entrepreneur and investor. He opened an Esso service station on Jefferson Boulevard in 1958 and he and Patsy would eventually become involved in a number of local businesses, including a hair salon, a jewelry store, and real estate development. Jack accepted a position with the Flight Test department of Fairchild Aviation in Hagerstown in 1967 and remained there until the company closed its doors in the late 1980s. Between flying for Fairchild and the Air Force, Jack eventually logged over 20,000 hours in more than 20 aircraft types.
After retirement, Jack and Patsy traveled all over the East Coast to bridge tournaments, accumulating master points. They also enjoyed home improvement projects, gardening, and spending time with their grandchildren. Jack also volunteered in the computer lab at his grandchildren’s school and served as the treasurer of John Wesley United Methodist Church for a number of years.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Patsy (Stevenson) Mesner; his brother, Owen Mesner; and his sister, Helen Crabbe. Jack is survived by his son, Steven Mesner and his wife Vilma “Luvy;” three grandchildren, Octavio Mesner of Pittsburgh, PA, Krysten Mesner of Alexandria, VA, and Jack S. Mesner and his wife Becky of Hagerstown, MD; two great-grandchildren, Gregory Mesner of Hagerstown, MD and Alexander Alvarenga Mesner of Alexandria, VA; two nieces, Jane Clipp of Martinsburg, WV and Mary Saum of Hagerstown, MD; and friend Mary Weikel of Williamsport, MD.
A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at John Wesley United Methodist Church, 129 North Potomac Street, Hagerstown, MD, with Rev. Katie O’Hern officiating.
Private interment will be at Greenway Cemetery in Berkeley Springs, WV at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hagerstown Aviation Museum/C-123, 14235 Oak Springs Road, Hagerstown, MD 21742.
paid obituary
