12/05/2025

Obituary for John W. Muster, IV

Owner of Muster Coaches

John W. Muster, IV 78, of Calhoun, Kentucky passed away Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at TriStar Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. John William Muster, IV was born March 2, 1947 in Calhoun, Kentucky to the late John William ‘Bill’ Muster, III and Claire Marie Gibson Muster.

John's life was one of dedicated service, community involvement, and family memories. A 1965 graduate of the former Calhoun High School, John's pursuit of education led him to Central State College in Edmond, Oklahoma. There, he not only earned a bachelor of science degree in Funeral Service in 1969, but also forged lifelong bonds as a member and chapter president of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. It was at Central State that John met the former Susan Jane Bondurant, the then-president of Sigma Kappa sorority. Their shared values and aspirations led to their marriage on March 30, 1969, in Edmond, a union that would be celebrated with love and partnership for more than 56 years.

John's professional journey was deeply rooted in his family's legacy, as he joined Muster Funeral Homes in 1969, becoming the 5th generation to offer compassionate care to many families throughout Western Kentucky. In 1971, John received his funeral directors and embalmers licenses from the Kentucky Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors, and in 2021 he was recognized as being a 50 year licensee in the state of Kentucky.

His dedication to service extended beyond funeral care, as he was also installed as a deputy coroner under his father, Bill Muster, in 1970. John served as either McLean County Coroner or a deputy coroner until his official retirement in the spring of this year, with over 55 years of service as coroner or deputy coroner for his county. At his retirement from McLean County Coroner, John was recognized as being one of the longest serving coroners throughout the state. John also served as a licensed EMT, working alongside his family to provide McLean County Ambulance Service until the county assumed operation of the service on September 1, 1986.

John's entrepreneurial spirit shone through in 1976 when he and his brother founded Muster Associates, a professional vehicle sales company specializing in ambulances and funeral vehicles, which achieved sales recognition both nationally and internationally. John loved being able to talk with other funeral professionals, hear both their family heritage and trade stories, and supply them with their professional vehicle needs. Muster Associates would eventually evolve into Muster Coaches, and the company will continue to supply professional vehicles with the same service to which funeral directors have become accustomed to from John. At Muster Coaches, one of John’s favorite sales promotions was his annual ‘Run for the Roses’ sales campaign. Each year, Muster Coaches would draw one lucky customer from that year to receive a trip to the Kentucky Derby with John and his wife, Susan. John always loved being able to treat funeral professionals from across the nation to a true Kentucky Tradition and even installed several as official ‘Kentucky Colonels.’

An avid outdoorsman, John relished the simple joys of hunting with his father, brother, friends, and later, his sons. Quail hunting was his favorite, but he also enjoyed duck, dove, and a wild boar hunting trip with his sons. His love for the Green River was profound, where he could often be found boating or simply enjoying a moment of relaxation on the boat dock with his wife and a Jay's cheeseburger.

John's passion for sports was evident in his enthusiastic support for his sons' and later his grandson's football games. With both of his sons graduating from college in Lexington, John also enjoyed going to University of Kentucky Football Games. John’s love for sports coupled with his love of the outdoors led him to being an avid snow skier. In his earlier years, he always looked forward to annual family snow skiing trips out west.

A man of faith, John served as a long-time deacon and church trustee at Calhoun Baptist Church. His commitment to his community was further exemplified by his membership in the Vienna Lodge #423 F. & A.M.

All of his professional, church and local government involvements led John to having several different titles or responsibilities. However, his favorite titles were ‘Pop’ or ‘Poppa John’ when he was blessed with his two grandchildren, JW and Maddie Grace. John loved nothing more than watching JW play football and participating in any activity with Maddie Grace, celebrating their many achievements with pride. As his father would say, children are great but grandchildren are by far the best.

John is survived by his wife of 56 years, Susan Muster; two sons, John W. ‘Will’ Muster, V (Adrianna) and Lee Miles Muster (Elizabeth) both of Calhoun; two grandchildren, John W. ‘JW’ Muster, VI and Madeline Grace ‘Maddie’ Muster; a brother, Michael Gibson Muster (DeeAnn) of Calhoun; a sister-in-law, Mary Jo Baker of Edmond; a nephew; three nieces; and his extended families at both Muster Funeral Homes and Muster Coaches.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at Muster Funeral Homes, Calhoun Chapel. Burial will be in the Calhoun Cemetery in McLean County. Friends may visit with John’s family from 3:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Monday and from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. Tuesday at Musters in Calhoun.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests in order to celebrate John’s love of both the history and future of McLean County that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to either the Muster Funeral Homes, Memorial Scholarship Fund at McLean County High School; P.O. Box 160; Calhoun, Kentucky 42327 or the Calhoun Cemetery, Iron Fence Restoration Fund; C/O John Howard; 400 Guy Settle Loop; Calhoun, Kentucky 42327.

John’s services will be streamed live on musterfuneralhomes.com at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday.