Lawrence Wayne Musser
Lawrence “Larry” Wayne Musser, a man known for his strong work ethic and steady dedication to those around him, passed away peacefully at his residence with family by his side, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the age of 95.
Larry was born on April 6, 1930, the son of Dewey and Leah (Viaches) Musser. Tragically, his mother passed away just eight days after his birth, and he was lovingly raised by his father and stepmother, Mable. From an early age, Larry learned the value of hard work – a lesson that stayed with him throughout his life. Larry was a graduate of Vermontville High School in 1948. On June 17, 1950, he married Barbara Joppie and they spent the next 62 years creating lasting memories until her passing in 2012. Larry out of high school worked for General Motors for two years before following his father to East Jordan where he opened a Gas Station. He later would move back to Vermontville where he worked as a mechanic. He spent a majority of his career at the Maple Valley School District as the head mechanic and bus garage supervisor. He retired as a transportation supervisor in 1986 after 34 years. In 1962 Larry built the family cabin in Barryton, Michigan, a cabin where the family would spend their summers. He also enjoyed ice skating, hunting, fishing, and traveling to Texas to spend time with family.
He was happiest when staying busy and could often be found tinkering with lawn mowers or working on a project. A longtime resident of Vermontville, Larry took great pride in his community. He especially enjoyed attending the annual Vermontville Syrup Festival and frequently welcomed friends and visitors into his home to watch the parade, creating memories filled with laughter, tradition, and connection. Larry made maple syrup for many years with family and neighbors in their homemade sugar shanty back in the woods. He enjoyed his coffee and sweet treats such as pie and cookies. Above all Larry’s proudest accomplishment in life was his family and his strong work ethic.
Larry is survived by his son, David (Sue) Musser, 12 grandchildren Rachel (Drew Pixley) Shook, Chris (Angie) Musser, Derek (Alicia) Musser, Kyle (Tamara Izzo) Musser, Garrett (Nicole) Musser, Jordan (Tami) Musser, Jason (Justine) Musser, Leah (Aaron) Nordell, Jessie (Ryan) Durban, Macy (Ian) Ekery, Madi (Austin) Bowen, and Autumn (Scott) Thomas; 23 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandkids; and special friend Tillie Kilgore. He was predeceased by his wife, Barbara (Joppie) Musser; sons Larry Neil Musser, Garry Musser; daughters Brenda Lynch and Diane Priesman; siblings Elaine Foote, Anita Boutwell, Dewey Musser, Jr., June Shellenberger, Ruth Roberts and Arnold Musser; and parents Dewey, Leah and Mable Musser,
Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Sunday, February 22, from 2 to 4 p.m., and 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services are Monday, February 23, 2026, at noon, Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Crystal Fox. officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Larry’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Maple Valley Memorial Scholarship Foundation. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.