Services to honor his life are currently being planned, and details will be announced as soon as they become available.

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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.

During his deployment to Vietnam, John learned firsthand about the realities of combat (horrific, not at all like the movies) and observed the betrayal of our government in the casual sacrifice of young Americans to no positive end. This shaped his political views profoundly and laid the foundation for his path to demand truth and accountability from our government in all such situations. John said he returned to a different country after his third, near mortal combat wound in 1968, which only added to his disillusionment, anger, and sense of betrayal. His forced medical retirement from the Marine Corps for disability in 1969 all but broke his heart and solidified his need to speak for his brothers who could no longer speak for themselves. Amid much opposition from family and community, John joined Vietnam Veterans Against the War and served as an activist, leader, and national spokesperson for many years. He was an active member of the POW/MIA movement for all wars until his death.

The most important truth about war John learned during his combat experience was the true meaning of love; that warriors do not actually fight for country, policy, or even freedom as much as they fight for each other. This love moved him to spend the rest of his life helping, counseling, guiding, and supporting combat veterans in all facets of their lives. An extraordinary extemporaneous speaker, John’s presentations were mesmerizing, eloquent, and inspiring, reaching varied audiences internationally. Many may be found online, even now, and are worth watching.

John dealt with his own PTSD, in part through skydiving and spent many years “giving his heart to the hawks” with friends and comrades. He was sorely resentful when his deteriorating physical condition required him to give up free fall, as well as the many adventures on his motorcycle he shared with family and his closest friends.

Writing turned out to be the second significant part of John’s healing from the brutal burdens of war after he wrote his first poem in the hospital following his return from Vietnam, and he earned his BA degree from Ottawa University in Ottawa, KS in 1973. Over the years, he published a book of Vietnam facts (with co-author Mike Clodfelter), as well as three books of poetry, one of which, “Notes to the Man Who Shot Me,” led to his receiving the Robert A. Gannon Award for Poetry through the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. His memoir, “The Education of Corporal John Musgrave; Vietnam and Its Aftermath,” was published in 2021 and was well received. John averred that “to tell the truth about combat is to cry out against war,” and he steadfastly did so in all his writings and public speaking.

John was honored to work with documentarians Ken Burns and Lynn Novick on “The Vietnam War,” released in 2017, as a featured speaker, appearing in seven of the ten episodes. He considered that experience one of the highlights of his life and had tremendous respect for the work and integrity that went into the series, he was indebted to Ken and Lynn for this gift and many others.

Aside from the births of his children, the most profound moments of John’s healing occurred during his return to Vietnam in 2019, and again in 2023, the result of so many kind-hearted friends and benefactors. During the first visit, he declared at Con Thien, “There’s no place for me here now,” retrieving a huge piece of his soul to bring back home. He came home from the second visit a more centered, more complete man. The family can never adequately express their deep thanks to all the people and generous benefactors who made this happen for John.

John loved his family, his buddies, the USMC, history, movies, books, music, his Honda Goldwing, skydiving, being at sea, travel, more books, anything sweet, pot roast with mashed potatoes and brown gravy, his house, Mexican Cokes, so many books, and dogs. He gave credit to his many dogs for maintaining his sanity during different life chapters, at least once preventing him ending his life. It’s impossible to imagine him without a dog by his side or, more likely, in his lap.

John and his second wife Shannon (Woods) Musgrave made wonderful team, marrying in December 1998 and blending their families. He and Shannon traveled together, wrote together, helped host workshops for veterans and their families, and lectured about PTSD together. Mostly they laughed together until tears ran and counted each other as best friends for eternity.

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 27″ 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…

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He attended Apple Pie rural school for six years, Lone Star school for two and graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1951, where he was active in Future Farmers of America and played on the 1951 state championship football team. During high school Alvin took his turn at driving the school bus, picking up his fellow students in the Lone Star and Clinton area and delivering them to school in Lawrence. Alvin attended McPherson College from 1952-1953 where he was part of the undefeated Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship team.

Alvin married Angeline (Angie) Mae Flora on September 6, 1953 in Quinter, Kansas. They moved to Lincoln, Nebraska where they worked in the hospital for two years. This was alternative military service for Alvin, as he was a conscientious objector to the Korean War due to religious beliefs.

In 1955 they moved back to the family farm near Lone Star where he was a dairy farmer for 43 years. Alvin served on many boards including Wakarusa Valley School, Douglas County Farm Bureau, Clinton Township, Douglas County Farmers Co-op, and Kaw Valley Electric for 30 years. He also served as District Chairman of Pure Milk Producers, and as Chairman of Douglas County Rural Water District #5. He served on the water district for 18 years. Alvin was recognized for the work he did in soil conservation, and raising champion milk producing Holsteins. The family farm was featured in the Journal-World for its rock fence that was built by Alvin’s uncle by hand in 1938. Much of it still stands today. “Don’t pick up a rock if you don’t have some place to put it.”
Alvin was preceded in death by his wife Angie, his parents, and brothers Melvin and Gordon. He is survived by his children Allen (SanDe), Arlon (Barbara), Anne (Roy) Dare, Adrian (Debra), and Amy Fishburn. Other survivors include 19 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Douglas County Visiting Nurses in Alvin’s name.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, June 17 at 11am at Washington Creek Cemetery, 607 E 550th Rd, Lawrence. To read the full obituary, visit rumsey-yost.com.

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Mary Ann was a librarian and secretary at St John’s School from 1965 to 1977. She served on the parish councils of both St. John’s and Corpus Christi Catholic Churches. She served on the boards of Meals on Wheels and Catholic Community Services and was a volunteer reader at Audio Reader for 35 years.

She married Jack W. Strong in 1950. They moved to Lawrence in 1960 and established Strong’s Office Systems. She is survived by her children Marjorie of Bothell, WA, John of Woodstock, MD, and Paul of Hawaii, HI.

A Memorial Mass is set for 10:00 A.M. Monday, June 22, 2026 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church of Lawrence. Interment will be with her husband in the National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, KS.

Memorials may be made to Audio Reader, Girl Scout’s Hidden Valley and St. John’s School and Corpus Christi.

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Bill is survived by his son, Carl Burris and daughter-in-law Laura, and his companion Christine Frese. His organs will live forever helping those who need them.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory in Lawrence.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Douglas County CASA, 725 N. 2nd Street, Suite M, Lawrence, KS 66044, or online at dccasaks.org; or to Kansas Public Radio, Membership Department, 1120 W. 11th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044, or online at support.kansaspublicradio.org.

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Robert (Bob) Barlow Swanson was born in Paxton, Illinois to Dorothy Barlow Swanson and Leslie Frank Swanson. He spent his school years there and graduated from Paxton High School in 1954. After high school, he enlisted in the Army as a tank mechanic. After two years, he decided to head west and attend the University of Montana in Missoula—Go Grizzlies! It was there he met his future wife, Edrie Lou Parker. He was stopped at an intersection in Missoula when she suddenly jumped in his car on a dare from her friends. They married in 1959, and he continued his education, graduating with a degree in Business in 1963.

His first job took him to Great Falls, Montana, where they welcomed their first son, Douglas, in September of 1963. After a couple of years, they moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where their second son, David, was born in October of 1965. Their travels then led them to Sioux City, Iowa, where Bob began his career at Central United Life Insurance Company, serving as a Vice President in underwriting. In April of 1968, their first daughter, Elece, was born, followed by Megan in June of 1971. They loved to boat on the river, spend time with neighbors, and enjoy golfing and socializing at the Boat Club. Bob’s love for hunting carried through to his sons, and many weekends were spent with their dog, Cody, out in the fields bringing pheasants home where they had delicious family meals.

In 1979, they followed their dreams and moved to the lake town of Alexandria, Minnesota, purchasing the Windjammer Inn. Living the resort lifestyle was a perfect fit for Bob; he thoroughly enjoyed making sure the cabins and boats were all “up to par” so weekly guests could fully enjoy their stays.

Moving to Lawrence, Kansas made Bob and his entire family Jayhawk fans for life—they never missed a chance to cheer for KU basketball! He resumed his career in insurance with Standard Mutual Life Insurance Company, where he retired in 1993 and proudly began his new job in 2000 as “Grandpa.”

Baldwin City later became Bob and Edrie’s home while she was employed at Baker University. He cherished spending time with family, fishing, and teaching his grandkids how to swing a baseball bat and cast a reel. After Edrie retired in 2008, they moved to Table Rock Lake to enjoy a laid-back lifestyle. Their days were filled with more fishing, golf cart rides, and a great group of friends for playing cards and gathering at the clubhouse, with their kids and grandchildren visiting most weekends.

Bob was loved by everyone who met him. He was a man who didn’t demand the spotlight, but when he spoke and told stories, everyone listened. He kept his family laughing and never missed a chance to teach his grandkids how to bait a hook, walk the dogs, build a fire, or just hang out in his garage. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Edrie Swanson, his mother Dorothy Swanson Meeker, his father Leslie Swanson, his step-father Ronald Meeker, and his two step-brothers John Meeker and Tom Meeker. He is survived by his brother John Swanson (wife Kathi), sons Douglas Swanson and David Swanson, his daughters Elece Kellerman and Megan Wilson (husband Steve) and six grandchildren Parker Wilson, Annika Swanson, Tennyson Wilson, Jake Swanson, Charlie Swanson, and Max Kellerman.

Please join the family for a come-and-go celebration of Bob & Edrie’s wonderful life on Thursday, June 18th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Baldwin City Beer Company in Baldwin City, Kansas. Please stay casual and feel free to wear your favorite KU Jayhawk or Baker Wildcat shirt to honor her favorite teams. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honor of Bob to the Lawrence Humane Society, 1805 E 19th St., Lawrence, KS 66046 or online at https://lawrencehumane.org/donate/ or Baker University, Attn: Office of Development and Alumni Relations, PO Box 65, Baldwin City, KS 66006 or online at https://alumni.bakeru.edu/give/endowment/, please use The Edrie Parker Swanson Endowed Scholarship.

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She died April 18, 2026.

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He died May 22, 2026.

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Jane was born on August 15, 1957, in Wichita, Kansas, to William and Thelma Quinlan. She graduated from Topeka West High School in 1975 and later married David Watson on August 29, 1981, in DeSoto, Missouri. Together, they spent 45 years building a loving family and creating countless cherished memories.

Jane spent much of her professional life caring for and teaching young children through various early childhood education roles. She had a gift for nurturing others and touched the lives of countless children and families throughout her career. She also spent eight years working as a pharmacy technician, where she continued to serve others with kindness and compassion.

In retirement, Jane found her greatest joy in spending time with her three beloved grandchildren. She treasured every moment she shared with Eleanor, Greyson, and Camila, who lovingly knew her as “Nanny.” Whether attending their activities, sharing special moments, or simply enjoying everyday life together, being a grandmother was the role she cherished most.

Jane was also an avid KU basketball fan and rarely missed watching a game. She loved tending to her garden and found peace and happiness among her flowers and plants.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Thelma Quinlan, and her brothers, Bob Quinlan and Jim Quinlan.

Jane is survived by her husband of 45 years, David Watson; her son, Jeremy Watson; her daughter, Jillian Watson, and son-in-law, Felipe De La Torre; her brother, Richard Quinlan and his wife, Sandy; her sister, Jill Quinlan and her husband, Kurt; her cherished grandchildren, Eleanor, Greyson, and Camila; her mother-in-law; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Jane’s kindness, gentle spirit, and unwavering love for her family will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Visitation to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who wish to honor Jane’s memory do so by spending time with loved ones, planting something beautiful, or performing an act of kindness in her name.

Livestream the service at https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/2FURTU

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She was born March 13, 1972, in Kingman, KS. She was the daughter of Keith and Karon Self. She graduated from Greensburg High School, Greensburg, KS, in 1990. In 1997 she obtained her nursing degree from Pratt Community College.

Tammy worked as a nurse for many years in the OBGYN department at Pratt Regional Hospital in Pratt, KS. She loved helping expectant mothers and taking care of newborn babies. She later volunteered for the Red Cross in Hutchinson, KS, often traveling to areas impacted by tornadoes. Tammy moved to Lawrence, KS in 2018. She enjoyed gardening, coloring, painting, creating original artwork, spending time with her beloved dog, Mochi, and singing and acting silly. She always stood up for what she believed in. Tammy’s caring nature affected many lives and she will be greatly missed.

Tammy is survived by her parents, Keith (Sr.) and Karon Self of Lawrence, KS; daughter, Maci Lawrence of Eudora, KS; siblings: Keith Self Jr. (wife Chris) of Lawrence, KS, Christopher Self of Topeka, KS, Joshua Self of Kansas City, KS; nephews Kayden Self and Jesse Self and niece, Melia Self of Lawrence, KS; grandson, Brady Lawrence of Eudora, KS.

Any contributions can be made to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home; all proceeds will be used for the Celebration of Life and cremation.

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