William Joe Musser (1940-2023) Obituary and Memorial

Life story

William Joe “Bill” Musser entered this world in Dighton, Kansas, “14 January 40,” to quote him. He passed away at age 83 surrounded by family on June 19, 2023.

He attended Groom School, where he met the future Mrs. Musser, Elizabeth "Joan" Schaffer. After his family moved to Lockney, Bill graduated from high school there and went on to make the cross country team for the University of Texas. He also served in the US Army, where he received his initial training as a medic that led to a career in medical technology as well as a position as a physician’s assistant. He used his certifications and skills in numerous hospitals and retired from the US Bureau of Prisons hospital system. He occasionally also filled in at hospital labs when they needed him.

Bill married his "first-grade classmate" in 1964 in Groom, Texas. He and Joan enjoyed a marriage of 52 years that included travel, family, and an abundance of creative projects. From designing geodesic domes to fixing windmills to engineering a flying bicycle intended to cross the English Channel. Bill stood ready to help with any project, especially if it enlisted the company or the help of children, in-laws, grandchildren, and even the occasional neighbor.

Bill could – and would – strike up a conversation with anyone and everyone who needed or wanted to talk. The only thing that could match his creativity and humor were his generosity and hospitable spirit. Many had the honor of sharing a cup of coffee and a story with him at one of his often-visited spots, The Grill, in his favorite town on earth: Groom, Texas.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Cleo and Edgar Musser; his wife, Joan, and his siblings, Edgar Raymond Musser, Bob Musser, Ralph Musser, and Faye Musser Scott.

Survivors include his sister, Aileen Williams and husband Charlie of Bulverde, Texas; his brother Tom Musser of Angleton, Texas; his two sons, Ron Musser and wife Kim of Forney, Texas; Schaffer Musser and wife Cindy of Santee, California; two daughters, Lisa Roskens and her husband Larry of Anna, Texas; and Robin Welch and her husband Chris of Bushland, Texas. He also is survived by 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

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