Billy “Bill” Eugene Musgrove, 92, of Medicine Lodge, KS, died Sunday, September 8, 2024 at Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital, surrounded by loved ones.
He was born on October 30, 1931 in Roxana, OK, at home, on the south side of Skeleton Creek, to Glen and Viola (Lackey) Musgrove.
On a cold morning in November 1948, at the young age of 17, he left home in a light jacket, headed for basic training at Shepherd’s Air Force Base. He served as a Senior Auto Mechanic in the Air Force, working on T-33 jet trainers and F-94’s. He was stationed at Naval Air Station Albany, McCoy AFB, Andersen AFB in Guam when the Korean War started, then Andrews AFB, in the 121st Fighter Squadron, before he was honorably discharged in September 1952.
After the service, he started his oilfield career working with his uncle Pierce, his dad’s youngest brother, for Musgrove Drilling Co. His early oilfield career took him to Elk City, OK, Lake Texoma, TX, Peoria, IL, and back to Musgrove Drilling Co. in Great Bend, KS. He spent 40 years with Bowers Drilling Co., and in 2007, established his own company, BEMCO, LLC.
He began planting his roots in Medicine Lodge in the early 1960’s, creating a family and a legacy. While he was a father to 4 children, Kenneth, Daryl, Connie, and Scott, he became a dad to many others. His love and compassion for children extended beyond his four walls, and he officially became “Daddy Bill” to all that knew him.
In the summer of 1986, he invited Helen Abt on a “date” to Worlds of Fun. The next day, he arrived at her house in a van rented from Bowe Chevrolet, and all 6 of them headed to Kansas City. After 27 abundant years of courtship, Billy and Helen married in 2013.
Daddy Bill spent his best days spoiling grandchildren, always counting down the days to Christmas. He instilled his own work ethic into the young men in his life, and could always count on a hot meal when he got home to Granny. He loved big, worked hard, gave generously, and lived a remarkable life.
He is survived by his wife, Helen Abt of Medicine Lodge, KS, two sons, Kenneth Musgrove and Daryl Musgrove of Medicine Lodge, KS; one daughter, Connie Petardi of Pratt, KS; two step-sons, Greg (Amy) Axline of Medicine Lodge, KS and Josh (Taffy) Axline of Wichita, KS; 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; one sister, Janie Reavis of Great Bend, KS; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, one son, David “Scott” Musgrove, four brothers, Jimmy, J.C., Kenneth “Fud”, and Glendal “Pete” Musgrove; two sisters, Betty Beeby and Millie “Bonnie” Allen.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial graveside service will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Highland Cemetery, Medicine Lodge, KS with Pastor Tom Walters officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard.
Following the graveside service, the American Legion riders will lead the procession to Bill’s shop at 1248 SE Patch Rd., Medicine Lodge, KS, where friends and family will gather for a celebration of life, as Billy would want.
Memorials may be made to Kansas Honor Flight or the First Christian Church, in care of Larrison Funeral Home, 120 E. Lincoln, Medicine Lodge, KS 67104.
Condolences may be left at www.larrisonmortuary.com.