CPL USMC (Ret.) John David Musgrave, 77, of Baldwin City, Kansas, passed away peacefully at home on May 3, 2026, surrounded by the love and presence of his family.
A celebration honoring John’s life and military service is currently being planned. Service details will be announced as soon as they become available.
I met my brother John in January 1972 at the Peace center in Kansas City Missouri 39th and Broadway. It was the height of the anti-war movement Johnny was right on top of it all then come the summer of 72 we were involved with Cairo, Illinois boycott and all black community in Illinois. Johnny led the Way the organization. Vietnam, Veterans Against the War and we stopped that War my brother we will meet again at some point in the future. I love and miss your life. Your sincere commitment to Veterans and in life in general. I love your brother Johnny the VAW forever.
Adios, old friend!
John Musgrave: A war hero. A peace hero. The quality of my life soared to heights I’d not imagined because I was fortunate to meet John and to know him, his story, and his writing. He visited several of my classes at KU over the years, sharing experiences and poems. Students were always profoundly moved, educated, transformed. Bless John Musgrave. Bless Shannon Musgrave and the entire Musgrave family. Please accept my condolences with Respect and Love.
Dear Shannon and family and friends, so very sorry for your loss. I know John will be dearly missed. May he rest in peace.
Deepest condolences to the Musgrave family. John was known and admired by many. His books and poetry, as well as his support of all veterans, has a lasting impact on the world. Know how deeply he loved you all, and what family meant to him. He will be remembered by all who knew him for his kindness, humor and caring heart.
God bless John Musgrave. His story, storytelling, and affect were compelling and made me think far deeper than ever before about Vietnam.
My sincere condolences to the Musgrave family. The other day while visiting my local library I came across the book” The Education of Corporal John Musgrave”. I couldn’t put it down. I was not at all familiar with his story. What a remarkable man he was. His story will live on with me and I will recommend it to my family and friends. I wish I could have met him.
I remember John who work at the Lawrence Unemployment Service for Veterans on 9th St a very long time ago he was a pleasant person with sense of humor. I wasn’t aware of his work and notoriety back then till time passed and his stories became more public. Rest in Peace 🇺🇸🙏🏻🫡
To Shannon and Family. I am sorry for your loss. John and I became friends in 1986, both working for Western resources/Westar energy/Evergy. I will miss chatting with him. And visiting. He was a true friend. Prayers to you all.
Sincere Condolences Thoughts and prayers for the family God Bless
Sincere Condolences Thoughts and prayers for the family
I have no words, I am so very sad. It was truly an honor to know John and be in his beautiful presence. His death leaves a huge hole in our hearts and in our world. Rest now Shannon and John!
It has been a sincere honor to have known John and to have been considered among his friends. Thank you for sharing him with the world. We traveled so many places and walked with some of our greatest heroes together. I hope he knew that we considered him one of the very best of those heroes. Few Americans could articulate quite as well as John what it meant to be an American, the benefits, but also the responsibilities. He was one of the best orators this great country ever produced. He also certainly walked the walk. The world is so much the better for having had John in it. How lucky we were to have been able to share part of it with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. We will miss him forever. Russ & Carla Wetzel & family – Festival, Festival Family, Freedom Fest
I am sorry for your lost. This world l8st a good man and Marine
I am saddened to hear this. My condolences to his family. Gunny and I were friends as students at Ottawa Univ. I valued our friendship, his principles and his service to our country. Years later, when we re-introduced ourselves to each other, I admired his thoughtfulness, convictions and his creativity. His death is a loss.
I met John in college. He was an honorable, compassionate person that looked for the good in others and he share his convictions with a strong will. John made the world a better place. RIP
My condolences to the family. I met John a couple of times many years ago through a mutual friend. He was an honorable man with deep convictions and proud of his service to this country and the men and women of the military. Especially those he served with during his tour of duty. May he rest in well-earned peace.
Shannon my heart breaks for you and your family. John will always be one of my personal heroes. May he rest in peace.