David Messmore, 82, of Mansfield, passed away Sunday, January 11, 2026, at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital.
He was born September 22, 1943, to Kenneth and Martha Messmore and spent his entire life rooted in the Mansfield area—a place he knew well and cared deeply about. David was a graduate of Mansfield Senior High School, Class of 1961, and went on to attend The Ohio State University.
From a young age, David learned the value of hard work while helping in his family’s grocery store. That early experience led him to purchase and operate his own meat market and grocery store from 1969 to 1974. His commitment to public service soon followed, as he worked for the City of Mansfield as Maintenance Superintendent while also serving as a member of the Mansfield Police Department Auxiliary.
David found his true calling in law enforcement. In 1976, he became a full-time patrol officer with the Mansfield Police Department. A year later, he was selected for the department’s FBI-trained SWAT team, becoming part of Mansfield’s first SWAT unit formed in 1981. Known for his determination and work ethic, David consistently ranked at the top of his classes and earned top marks for examinations throughout his career. He completed numerous advanced supervisory and training programs and was respected for both his leadership and knowledge.
On October 30, 1981 David was united in marriage to the love of his life, Susan Freiheit and together they enjoyed 44 years of marriage built on commitment, respect, and family.
During his service, David held many roles, including President of the Fraternal Order of Police and member of the Mansfield Police Pistol Team. He also served as the department’s media spokesperson from 1984 to 1990. His career culminated with his retirement in 1994 as a Captain of the Mansfield Police Department after countless cases and tireless hours of dedication.
Retirement never slowed him down. David continued serving the community through his work with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office out of BCI for six years, followed by investigative work for the Ohio Department of Agriculture. He later conducted investigations for several defense attorneys in both civil and criminal cases and was appointed by Common Pleas Judges to assist in investigations, including death penalty cases. Throughout it all, he maintained close ties to the law enforcement community he loved.
His civic involvement extended beyond policing. David served on the Richland County Mental Health Board, the Mansfield Planning Commission, and as Chairman of the Mansfield Parks Board. He was selected by City Council to represent the Mansfield Police Department and also served on the Mansfield Police Review Board—roles that reflected his steady dedication to making his community better.
Outside of work, David had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He especially loved fishing—spending summers on Lake Erie pursuing walleye and perch, boating on the lake, and fly fishing trips to Canada. He also enjoyed golfing, hunting, and time spent with his close circle of friends, whether on the golf course or around a card table, where the snacks were often more important than the game itself.
David was a devoted sports fan and could often be found watching Ohio State, the Cleveland Browns, and the Cleveland Indians. Above all, he loved his family. He was accepting, never judgmental, and known as a protector—someone people trusted and leaned on. He was also a gifted storyteller, always ready with a story that made others laugh or think.
David Messmore lived a life of service, integrity, and quiet leadership. His impact on his family, his profession, and his community will be felt for years to come.
He is survived by Wife Susan Messmore; children Jason (Andrea) Wooldridge, Heather Noland, Julie (Brett) Turner, John (Julianne) Messmore and Monica (John) Gonzales; grandchildren Brennen (Hallee), Sydney, Payton, Ryan (Melissa), Adam, Jack, Jason, Jenna, Morgan, Jaxon; two great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Karen Sharrock, Sandi Lesch and Cathy (Dale) Squires; brother-in-law Tom Lesch; and Collier who trusted David and his guidance as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
David was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Martha Messmore; in-laws Adam and Ruby Freiheit; brothers-in-law Eric Freiheit and Scott Sharrock.
The Messmore family will receive friends Saturday, January 17, 2026 in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. with Fraternal Order of Police Rites given at 2:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date and he will be interred at Mansfield Catholic Cemetery.
The family would like to thank Dr Chopko, Sandy Hershner, every Doctor, Nurse and PSA in ICU and Hospice on the 2nd floor for all the special care they gave to David these last few months.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve David’s family and encourage you to leave a fond message or watch his tribute video on his Tribute Wall at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes
Website: www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com