CPL Musgrave

John D. Musgrave was born to Wilda (Bartlett) Musgrave and Robert E. Musgrave on May 12, 1948, several weeks early and feet first. It was the first and last time he was early for anything, and there has always been speculation that the footling delivery instilled in him a passion for skydiving. Thereafter, he referred to an umbilical cord as a ‘ripcord.’

Growing up in Sugar Creek & Independence, MO, John's early idols included his big brother, Kenneth, actor John Wayne, his dad, and all the other WWII veterans that lived in his community at whose feet he sat avidly listening to accounts of their war stories. There he learned about duty, honor, courage, and patriotism at a time when those qualities still stood in high regard, and they became deeply entrenched in his heart. Between those stories and the war movies he adored, the determination to serve in America's military was firmly etched in his future and he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the tender age of 17. He said he ‘felt he owed his country for 17 years of freedom.’

An Eagle Scout in the tribe of Micosay, John's early years were blessed with peace and countless friends, the most significant perhaps being Jay Van Velzen. They became as close as brothers, and devised many a misadventure together, including enlisting in the USMC at the same time. Jay said he couldn't resist John's signature siren calls, ‘Come on, Jay, it'll be fun!’ and ‘We owe it to ourselves!’ The week before he arrived at boot camp, John attended church camp.

Please read John's complete obituary on the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home website, link: https://rumsey-yost.com/2026/06/cpl-usmc-ret-john-david-musgrave/

John's last years were joyful, reflective, and full of love. He was preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Lillian Rose Arnold, his parents, sister-in-law Barbara Musgrave, and beloved friend Jay Van Velzen. He is survived by his brother, Ken Musgrave of Grain Valley, MO, in-laws Pat and A.D. Woods of Baldwin City, KS, sons Daniel Musgrave (Stephanie) of Morris, MN and Rye Musgrave (Rachel) of Lawrence, KS, youngest daughter Madeline Roger (Nate) of Baldwin City, KS, several cousins, niece Kendra, nephew Robert, and six beautiful grandchildren (Elsie Ward, Eleni and Cora Musgrave, and Addy, Andy, and Ally Growcock), in whom he delighted.

John's physical life ended at home surrounded by his family, his pets, and abiding, immutable love.

A memorial event will occur on Saturday, June 27th at Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS, 66044 from 1pm to 4pm. Private inurnment with military honors at Leavenworth National Cemetery will occur later this year. Many thanks to the staff at Midland Care for support and hospices services. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Lawrence Humane Society or a veteran's assistance program of your choice. Please join us in celebrating the amazing life of this extraordinary man. Come on, now, it'll be fun! And, you know, you owe it to yourselves…