Donald Muse

Donald Lee Muse, 88, of East Ridge, TN, entered peacefully into the arms of our Creator on October 31, 2021, with his loving wife, Bonnie, at his side.

Don was born in Somerset, KY, January 23, 1933, to the late Lonnie Muse and Dortha Gossett Muse.  He is also preceded in death by brothers Kenneth Muse and Ralph Muse, son Paul H. Muse, and daughter-in-law Patty Duncan Muse. 

Donald is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Bonnie Lane Muse, sons Clarence Muse, Perry (Denise) Muse, and Terry Muse, sister Joyce (Bill) Tibbals, and sister-in-law Ann Muse. He also delighted in five grandchildren: Casey (Stephanie) Muse, Jeremy (Courtney) Muse, Jessica (Tim) Duncan, Krystle (Dustin) Cox, and Nathan (companion Cheyenne) Muse, and nine great-grandchildren: Kylie, Mackenzie, Amelia, Owen, Noah, Kaisen, Deven, Andrew, and Nadia.

Upon graduation from Somerset High School in 1950, Don joined the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean Conflict until 1954, in non-combat roles as a fireman and aviation mechanic.  While stationed at China Lake Naval Base in CA, he met Bonnie, whom he described as the “Apple of My Eye”.  After Don’s Honorable Discharge, the family moved back to Somerset.  In Somerset, he became a member of the Masonic Lodge #111. 

Don owned a trucking company for 2 years, before beginning a 33-year career as a Greyhound Bus driver that included numerous awards for safe driving and The Greyhound Lines Silver Stripe of Honor that included a bus named in his honor.  After Greyhound, Don drove telecommunication equipment for NEC for 5 years.  Then for the next 21 years, until retirement at age 85, Don drove as a courier for Hospice & Home Health of East Tennessee.  It is estimated that Don drove 3 ½ Million miles throughout his life as a professional driver.

Don, Bonnie and the boys travelled extensively when the boys were at home, taking trips all over the southeast and to visit family in California.  When asked why he joined the Navy and wanted to be stationed in California, Don replied, “I always wanted to see what was just beyond the horizon.”

As a faithful member of the Ridgeline Church of God, Don served in a leadership role for many years.  He was a part of the Emmaus Community.  Most importantly though, Don was a baptized Christian and loved our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Don’s funeral will be Friday, November 5, 2021, 11:30 am, at Ridgeline Church of God, 1620 Waterhouse St., East Ridge, TN.  Visitation will begin 1½ hour prior to the service, at 10:00 am.  Burial will be at the U.S. National Cemetery at 1:30 pm.  www.heritagebattlefield.com

Don is now at rest with his Creator, “beyond the horizon”.

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