David M. Messman, 52, a guidance counselor at Wilson High School who formerly taught Spanish at high schools in Washington, died of lung cancer Oct. 17 at his home in Washington.

Mr. Messman was a native of La Porte, Ind., who moved to Washington 30 years ago to teach at Dunbar High School. He was later chairman of the foreign language department at McKinley Technical High School and taught at the Capitol Page School. He became a guidance counselor in 1988 and had been assigned to Wilson since 1990.

Mr. Messman was a graduate of Cornell College in Iowa and received a master's degree in education from American University. He did additional graduate work in education at the University of the District of Columbia and Trinity College and in language at the University of Madrid and Georgetown University.

He was co-captain of the volunteer team of staff and students at Wilson for Christmas in April, a housing rehabilitation organization. He also was a coach and referee for the Soccer on the Hill youth organization and a baseball coach with the Capitol City Little League.

Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Elizabeth Messman, and two sons, David M. Messman Jr. and Jeffrey M. Messman, all of Washington; his mother and stepfather, Alice Lipke and Ben Lipke, both of Knox, Ind.; his father and stepmother, Carl Messman and Lois Messman, both of La Porte; and two sisters.

Source: Washington Post 11 Nov 1997 Page B6.