Marion Everett Musgrove, Jr., born on October 14, 1936, in Walters, Oklahoma, passed away on December 24, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas, after leading a full and happy life of 88 years. He was a dedicated husband, father, and Paw-Paw whose life was marked by love, dedication to his friends and family, and an unwavering commitment to his faith.
M.E. was the only child of Ella and Marion Musgrove, Sr. He was raised in a Christian home in Walters, Oklahoma, where he gained his faith and strong passion for family. He graduated from Walters High School in 1954.
He attended Oklahoma University before moving to Fort Worth, where he attended classes at the University of Texas at Arlington in 1966. He began his career in the aircraft industry, where he was quickly promoted to Engineering.
M.E. (nicknamed “Mushie” by his coworkers) was an accomplished mechanical engineer for 39 years, retiring in 1999. He devoted 38 years of his career to Bell Helicopter, where he worked as a beloved member of the New Product Development Center (NPDC) team designing and approving parts to be “use as is” – a joke among his coworkers – and building lifelong friendships. M.E. was also a lifelong entrepreneur, owning six rental properties, two oil properties, and a deer lease.
On November 23, 1956, he married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Shipman, in Fort Worth. Together, they built an inspiring life filled with love and laughter, celebrating 68 beautiful years of marriage. They called Southlake, Texas, home for 29 years. They loved to travel, taking yearly family vacations, touring Europe, and summering in Gunnison, Colorado. They loved live music and dancing. He was an avid car and motorcycle lover. He and Barbara won many awards at car shows for his T-Bucket, motorcycle, and his father’s vintage truck.
M.E. was a huge Dallas Cowboys fan, hosting watch parties with his family for every game. He enjoyed boating, skiing, and hunting trips to his deer lease. One of his favorite things to do was spend time with his six grandchildren and eat “Paw-Paw Cookies.” The love he shared with his family was evident in every interaction, and his legacy lives on through them.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ella and Marion Musgrove, Sr., and several dear cousins. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Shipman Musgrove; his son, Mike Musgrove, and wife, Laura; his daughter, Kim Thut, and husband Richard; his daughter, Pam Burnett, and husband Kevin; as well as his grandchildren, Chelsea Thut and Linsey Thut, Casey Musgrove and Matthew Musgrove, Josh Burnett and Ryan Burnett, all of Fort Worth. His memory will be cherished by his loving wife, children, and grandchildren, who will carry on his legacy of strong family values.
Visitation for M.E. Musgrove, Jr. will be held on Monday, January 13, 2024, at 1:30 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:30 p.m., both at Greenwood’s Live Oak Chapel, 3100 White Settlement Road, Fort Worth, Texas, 76107. Family, friends, and community members are invited to gather and honor a remarkable man who touched the lives of many.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ’s Haven for Children (www.christshaven.org).
