Billy Musgraves
Billy Howard Musgraves, a dedicated educator, coach, and beloved father and grandfather,
passed away peacefully at the age of 86, surrounded by family.
He is survived by his loving wife, Janis, their three children: Jeff (Becky), Candee Vogel (Steve),
and Shane (Carey). He was known as Pawpaw to eight grandchildren: Alexandra (Franklin),
Benjamin, Madison, Tucker, Kaitlin, Samuel, Sarah, and Billy who brought him immense pride
and joy. Billy’s family was his greatest pleasure, and he always found strength and happiness in
their love.
Billy was born in Advance, Missouri, to Amos and Helen and was preceded in death by his
parents and brother, Jimmy (Barbara). He is also survived by two brothers, Darrel (Barb) and
Jerry (Linda). Growing up Billy played basketball and baseball. He played for the 1957 Advance
Hornets who finished 2 nd in state. He was inducted into the Advance high school hall of fame in
2021.
As an educator and coach, Billy made a lasting impact on his community. He was known for his
unwavering dedication to his students and athletes, and he was admired for his ability to
inspire, mentor, and bring out the best in everyone he worked with. Billy’s legacy as a teacher
and coach will live on in the countless lives he touched throughout his career.
Beyond his professional life, Billy had a deep love for nature, spending many hours on the water
fishing or in his yard tending to the garden and Janis’ flower beds. He enjoyed playing cards
with his family, especially when he would win against his brothers.
Billy will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on through his family,
friends, and the many lives he impacted.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Shaw Nature Reserve in his honor.
A celebration of Billy’s life will be held at a later date.
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for you all!
Mr. Musgraves left a lasting impression on the students and staff of the Meramec Valley R-III School District. May he now plant beautiful gardens in heaven.
Prayers of peace to the Musgraves family.
💜 Ketina Armstrong
I remember in 1978 me and my dad (Leon Poole) went up to Coleman elementary to enroll me in school and the first person we met was Mr Musgraves and my dad said he played baseball with a Musgraves, and it happen to be his brother, But Mr Musgraves was the nicest man. I never forgot that moment. Sorry sorry for your loss, Mrs. Musgraves, Jeff Candee. And Shane
Everybody has heroes for various reasons I am no exception as one of my favorite heroes passed away on April 9, 2025.
Coach Bill Musgraves was my first hero when his high school basketball team played for the state basketball championship in 1957. I was only 9 years old.
Mr. Musgraves has been my hero since then for 68 years.
The night Advance played the championship game, I was listening to the game on the radio in my basement. I was hooked for Bill Musgraves to be my hero from then on.
The reasons Bill Musgraves has been my hero since the above.
1. We are both from Advance, Missouri.
2. Bill was my high school basketball coach and PE teacher during my junior and senior years. His coaching led our team to a 28 and 6 school year record with a final state finish in the top 8 in the 1965 basketball rankings.
3. After my graduation 1965 I earned a Mathematics teaching degree, taught math for one year, served a year in Vietnam and earned my Masters in Mathematics. My wife and I were looking for a teaching position so I reached out to my hero. Mr. Bill Musgraves helped me secure an interview at Pacific High School and ultimately a mathematics teaching and administrative position in the Pacific Missouri district.
5. Twenty three years later, (1994), I had a chance to speak at Bill Musgraves retirement supper and enjoyed the evening with my hero. He was still as genuine as when I first met him face to face in 1963.
6. After 1994, I kept up on the happenings in the Musgraves family through my contacts in Advance and Pacific. Approximately 7-8 months ago, I had the opportunity to sit down with Mr. Musgraves, his wife Jan and his daughter Candee Vogel, to talk about everything that had happened since Bill had become my hero. We sat around for well over 3 hours and discussed every sports story about Advance and family stories we may have missed over the years. It was truly a remarkable afternoon as I learned so much about Bill and his family. We promised to get together again. I contacted Candee again about one month ago and we decided that we would try to schedule another meeting to rehash the years and happenings. Unfortunately, before we could get together, Mr. Bill Musgraves passed away peacefully. I will never forget the last meeting with the Musgraves family and the fond memories of my hero. I hope this gives you insights into the remarkable Bill Musgraves.
Keith Kinder
Such a nice man and a nice family. He will be missed by many of us.
As a new teacher he was my first principal I taught under. He made quite an impression on me. I often thought about him and wondered how he was doing. He was easygoing and a joy to work with. I will never forget him.
Sorry for your loss.
He was the first principal I taught under at Zitzman Elementary, 1990, and I remember we knew he was coming down the hall because he would be jingling change in his pocket! I truly enjoyed the way he made Zitzman such a welcoming school for teachers, students, and parents. Prayers to the family!
I knew Bill and Jan Musgraves through their son, Jeff, with whom I played high school basketball at Pacific. Bill was one of the most down to earth people I have ever met in my nearly 63 years.
I was driving past Sylvan Manor this afternoon, and I couldn’t help but turn in and try to find these two beautiful people, just to say ‘Hi!’ after 45 years. I wasn’t sure where they lived anymore, or even IF they lived anymore, and I was deeply saddened by the news that greeted me in this notice. I have lost both of my parents, so it is with profound sadness that I reach out to Jan, Jeff, Candee and Shane. My heart aches for you all, and may God ease your pain and bring peace to your hearts. I love you all.