Earl Dean Musick

Known to all as “Big Earl,” Earl was larger than life in presence, personality, and purpose. Born on July 14, 1946, Earl lived fully, loved deeply, and devoted his life to service, justice, and family, or in his words, “truth, justice, and the American way.”

Earl was born in Houston, Texas, on July 14, 1946, to Edward Earl Musick and Audeen Herod Musick. He grew up playing baseball and got into cars, sometimes racing on the streets of Houston as he got older. He met the love of his life, Vivian, in 1964. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married April 8, 1967, and had two children, Robert and JoAnne, that meant the world to him. Earl and Vivian were married 58 years, and he still introduced Vivian as “my first wife.”

Earl started a career with the Houston Police Department in 1967 (Class #34) that spanned over 32 years (1967-1999). At the department, Earl was a natural, distinguishing himself during numerous major police events, and he was sought after for one of the first TACT units. In 1972, Earl was promoted to Detective. He loved criminal investigations and he participated in investigating some of Houston’s most notorious crimes of that era. In 1986, Earl was promoted to Lieutenant where he continued his passion for criminal investigations. His career was marked by leadership, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to protecting others. Those who served alongside him knew him as fearless, fair, and fiercely loyal. He loved managing and mentoring investigators. Throughout his career with the department, he made many friends and often spoke of the legends he was privileged to learn from and work with.

While in the department, Earl was also very active in organized sports. He played, coached, and organized softball, volleyball, and other team sports. He organized local tournaments and participated in the Police Olympics in state and nationally. There was seldom a time when you wouldn’t find him on the fields or courts. His passion for sports also led him to coach his son’s, and later granddaughter’s, teams bringing him great joy. Earl not only played and coached, but managed teams and leagues, including being president of Parkwood National Little League.

In 1995, Earl and JoAnne began law school together at South Texas College of Law. In December 1998, Earl graduated and began his second career as a lawyer. From 1999 until 2003, he served as a Harris County prosecutor for the District Attorney’s Office prosecuting cases in justice of the peace courts, county courts, and district courts. As a trial lawyer, he handled numerous criminal trials with excellent success before leaving the office to partner with his daughter, JoAnne, as a criminal defense lawyer. He again succeeded as a trial lawyer obtaining scores of dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and expunctions for his clients. He practiced law for 28 years. Earl also had the privilege of working with his granddaughter, Jessica, as she became a lawyer as well. The three generations all graduated from South Texas College of Law. Outside the courtroom, Earl served the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association in various roles including as president. He could often be found mentoring young lawyers.

Throughout his careers, Earl saw and worked criminal cases from every aspect: investigation, prosecution, and defense. In his careers, Earl received numerous awards and accolades including 100 Club Officer of the Year and Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year. However, later in life, his new favorite role was that of grandparent and later great-grandparent.

Earl Dean Musick is survived by his beloved wife, Vivian Musick, to whom he was married for nearly 59 years—a partnership built on love, resilience, and shared devotion to family. He is survived by his son, Robert Musick, and wife, Erin Musick; his daughter, JoAnne Musick; his granddaughter, Jessica Larson, and husband, Garrett Larson; and his great-grandchildren, Victoria Larson and Cole Larson.

His legacy with the Houston Police Department continues through his family. Robert began his own law enforcement career with the Houston Police Department in 1989 and currently serves as a Sergeant at the North Station, formerly (and forever) known as North Shepherd. Erin served with distinction as a Sergeant at the Houston Police Department until her retirement in 2022. And, grandson-in-law, Garrett Larson, serves as an officer in the Operational Support Division proudly wearing Earl’s badge number.

Above all, Earl was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor, and friend. He was big-hearted, outspoken, generous with his wisdom, and endlessly proud of his family. His laughter filled rooms, his stories never disappointed, and his presence made people feel protected, understood, and valued.

Though he is deeply missed, his legacy lives on—in the courtroom, on the softball field, in law enforcement, and within the family he loved so fiercely.

He will always be remembered.

He will never be forgotten.

A Visitation will be held on February 18, 2026, from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery, located at 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, Texas, 77384. A Celebration of Life will take will take place concurrently with the Visitation on February 18, 2026, from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the same location.

The Funeral Service is scheduled for February 19, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery, 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, Texas, 77384.

The Committal will occur on February 19, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm at Forest Park Lawndale, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, Texas, 77023.

A Celebration of Life and Luncheon will take place after the committal.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony of Padua in The Woodlands, Texas at https://www.ap.church/giving-options