Everett Wilson Musser

Everett Wilson Musser passed away peacefully in Dublin, Ohio, at the age of 94 on November 18, 2025. Born on February 12, 1931, in West Union, Ohio, he was the son of the late Bert H. and Grace P. Musser, and loving stepmother Addie Musser.

Ev lived a long and full life. He grew up on an Ohio farm, where he learned the value of hard work at an early age—from caring for livestock to milking cows at 6 a.m. and delivering newspapers at age 10. Those early lessons shaped the discipline, humility, and determination that defined his life.

After graduating from Lockland High School in 1949, Ev worked briefly at Sterns & Foster Mattress before enlisting in the United States Air Force National Guard, serving as a draftsman in Germany during the Korean War. His work involved designing key communication and radar systems overseas. He traveled extensively throughout Europe during his service, where his lifelong appreciation for commercial architecture began to take root.

Following his military service, Ev enrolled at The Ohio State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 1958. He met and married Margaret Helen Bricker in 1955.

Ev began his professional career in Cincinnati, working with several architectural firms. In 1963, he moved to Findlay, Ohio, where he co-founded Rooney & Musser Architects with Jim Rooney, whom he met in architecture school at OSU. During his 20 years in Findlay, Rooney & Musser designed numerous commercial projects throughout northern Ohio, and Ev served as President of the Toledo Chapter of the AIA.

In 1983, he expanded operations to Columbus, where he founded The Architectural Forum as CEO. He later merged with Fanning Howey Associates in 1989, becoming Principal-in-Charge and specializing in the design of educational facilities across the Midwest. His passion for architecture and dedication to excellence sustained him well into his 80s, and he retired in 2018.

Ev met the love of his life, Lynne Elledge Musser, in 2000, and they married in 2002, sharing a devoted and loving marriage until his passing. He was the proud father of four children with his former wife, Margaret Bricker Swartz, and is survived by his children: Julie Johnson, Jenny McClintock (Randy), Philip Musser (Tracy), and Jon-Paul Musser (Jennifer); and by his stepdaughter, Kylie Elledge. He is also survived by his loving sister, Shirley Musser of Arizona. He was the proud “Papa Ev” of fourteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immense joy to his life.

Ev had a deep love and knowledge of sports. He was a devoted fan of the Cincinnati Reds and the Bengals and remained passionately loyal to his Ohio State Buckeyes. An avid golfer, he continued playing until age 90 and was a lifelong member of the Ohio State University Golf Club.

Everett’s life was marked by integrity, service, and an unwavering commitment to his family and his craft. He will be remembered with deep love and gratitude by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

A Celebration of Life in his honor will be held on Saturday March 7, 2026 at The Ohio State University Golf Club.