William Thomas Musser, M.D. age 90 of Mifflinburg, PA, a beloved and loving husband, father of four boys, eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren passed away peacefully on Friday, October 9, 2020 at Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village. He leaves his spouse Ethel Lois Musser of 67 years.
Born in Williamsport Hospital on April 18, 1930 he was the son of late Professor Thomas and Mabel Musser. Bill was a distinguished graduate of Mifflinburg High School class of 1948 where he excelled both academically graduating as Salutatorian and athletically leading the basketball team as captain. He received the American Legion sponsored "Danforth Award" in recognition of his leadership, scholarship and service during his years at Mifflinburg High. Bill also earned Eagle Scout status, the highest level of merit in Scouting.
Bill attended Bucknell University earning a B.S. degree in biology. He later graduated from Temple Medical School in Philadelphia. He completed his medical residency in family practice medicine at Williamsport Hospital. Bill received his license to practice medicine and surgery on September 13, 1956. He served two years of military service as a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corp at Fort Leonard Wood, MO where he directed a M.A.S.H unit and attended at the base hospital. Bill then returned to his hometown to establish a private practice in family medicine.
Doctor Musser was revered by his patients as a compassionate and knowledgeable healer who made house calls even during blizzards. He attended at Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg, PA where upon retirement he received a "Chair" in honor of his service from the institution. One of his most rewarding achievements during his 40 years of practice was the nearly 500 babies he helped safely deliver. Bill also served as Union County Coroner and was recognized by his peers as "Physician of the Year" in 1984 from the Union County Medical Society. In retirement Bill served the Native American community as a visiting physician managing a tribal clinic. He was also appointed by the Union County Commissioners to the Union County Higher Education Facilities Financing Authority through Bucknell University for which he served many productive years.
An active member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Mifflinburg, Bill was one of the original members of the Gifts and Endowments Committee as well as a member of the Finance Committee. A frequent Lay Reader and Usher he was very proud of his involvement with the church community.
Bill was known for his competitive nature when leading his team in basketball, challenging his sons to a pickup game on the family court or encouraging the improvement of high school referee's accuracy during his son's and grandchildren's sporting events. He also enjoyed playing golf with his sons and brother-in-law, board games with his family and Bridge with his friends. Bill was an avid puzzler, relished a stimulating game of ping pong and relaxed by listening to the Phillies games on the radio. Bill was also accomplished at designing and creating Halloween costumes for his children to wear in the school parade.
Bill met the love of his life Ethel Lois Fisher from Hartleton, PA. They were wed in Hartleton on June 28, 1953 and together built a strong, loving and devoted family. They enjoyed raising four boys, rooting for them during sporting events, vacationing in Surfside Beach S.C. each year and touring the national parks in America. Together they traveled to international destinations a desire inherited by their grandchildren. But his favorite pastime was spending time with his family, playing softball, touch football or basketball in the back yard or listening to the stories and banter of his sons and their cousin when the family was all together. He relished his time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bill's proudest moments were sitting at the head of the table during the holidays when everyone was home.
Bill is survived by his sons: Scott and wife Heidi of Franklin, MA; Steve and his wife Pam from Clackamas, OR; Tom and his wife Jeanette of St. Charles, Il and Bob and his wife Karen from Mifflinburg. His grandchildren, whom he loved dearly include: Leigh, Bradley, Lauren, Brian, Mark, Kelly, Claire, Taylor, Ryan, Nora and Carly. His five great-grandchildren were an additional blessing for Bill. They include: Amelia, Finn, Remington, Ella and Emerson.
Bill will be sorely missed by his family, many friends and those whose lives he touched with a healers hands. We will miss his guidance, wit and charismatic presence. We have been blessed to have him in our lives. He served his family, community, country and God with distinction.
Due to COVID 19 concerns, private services will be held for family only at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mifflinburg. Donations in his name may be made to the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 404 Market Street, Mifflinburg, PA 17844.
To share in Bill's online memorial, please visit www.adamofh.com
Funeral arrangements are by Dominick T. Adamo Funerals · Cremations · Monuments, 16 Walnut Street, Mifflinburg.
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