79, Oblong, IL
Max D. Musgrave, 79, Oblong, IL passed away Saturday November 30, 2019 at his home in Oblong surrounded by his family.
Born on February 10, 1940, at about 10:00 in the morning, if he remembers right, in a house on the family farm north of Kibbie. He was the youngest of nine children born to George and Maudie (Mitchell) Musgrave. He attended Kibbie, Bellair and Oblong schools, graduating from Oblong High School in 1958.
Max and his brother Dixie took over the farm in 1958 from George. They farmed together until 1969, when Max took over. He bought his first tractor, a John Deere 720 in ’58 and has bled green ever since. Max continued to help in the field and around the farm as his health allowed. His final tractor ride was on the 720 this past July.
Max operated Musgrave Bin Co for 34 years. He built grain bins and buildings all over Crawford and surrounding counties, even traveling as far as Chillicothe, MO and Kentucky. Many high school boys had their first real job putting up grain bins during the summer and learned a lot from Max about hard work.
Max always had to be doing something, whether it was working, riding a motorcycle or flying a plane. He did enjoy his time loafing at Snider’s Store and looked forward to it every morning, especially in the last few months. Max will be remembered as a hardworking, honest, intelligent man with a bit of a stubborn streak.
In 1959, Max married Sharon Smothers. They became the parents of Rhonda (Janetta) Musgrave and Robin (Rick) Ralston and proud grandparents to Adrienne (Ray) Blackwell, Trey (Ashley) Ralston and Mitch (Brit Hull) Ralston, all of whom survive.
In 1995, Max married Sue Tracy and became the step father to Doug (Kathy) Hawkins, Jamie (Andy) McReynolds and Jason (Holger) Geiger-Bremer and grandfather to Melissa (Mackie) Collins, Amanda (Chris) Fox, Ross McReynolds and Tess McReynolds, who also survive.
He is also survived by great grandchildren Amzie Ralston, Aiden and Calvin Collins, and Sophie and Lilly Fox. Surviving are sisters and brothers-in-law Patsy Kirts and Darlene (Norman) Stoltz. With eight siblings, the number of cousins, nieces and nephews are indeterminable. A host of dear friends and former employees brightened Max’s last days and mourn his loss.
An Open House Celebration of Max’s life will be held at the Crawford County Forest Preserve on Rte 33 East of Oblong, on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. Please dress casually, pearl snap shirts if you have one!
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lincolnland Hospice, who has made Max‘s final days more comfortable. Envelopes will be at the Celebration but can also be mailed to Pulliam Funeral Home P.O. Box 121 Oblong, IL 62449.
Condolences and or memories may be sent to the family at oblongfuneralhome.com
