It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Andrew (Andy) Musselman on January 15, 2026. Andy was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Clarence and Mary Musselman and was the third of ten children.
Andy grew up in the Midwest, and was known for his practical jokes, clever antics, and often remembered as the class clown. He was incredibly bright and had a natural knack for solving problems and fixing things (his wife called him “Handy Andy.”) He started working as an auto mechanic while still in high school, then entered into the Air Force following his high school graduation in Downer’s Grove, Illinois. He served two years in Clovis, New Mexico and two years in Guam as an Aircraft Armament Systems Specialist. After his time in the service, he moved to Dallas, Texas to be closer to his mother and some of his younger siblings. He attended the University of Texas at Dallas where he earned a degree in accounting and became a CPA in only 3.5 years. His career took him throughout the country until he settled in Houston, Texas, then he furthered his education with an MBA from the University of Houston.
When Andy was in his 30’s, he discovered his passion for road cycling. He would go on 40-50 mile group rides every weekend, working his way up to participating in events like the Ride for the Roses and the Hotter ‘N Hell Hundred in Texas. Without fail, he carb-loaded every Friday night with a hearty bowl of spaghetti to prepare for his Saturday morning ride. Whether it was freezing cold or sweltering hot, he never made excuses and rarely missed the opportunity to take his custom bike for a spin.
In 2000, he met the love of his life, Lisa when they worked together at Axia, Inc. in Houston. However, they did not start dating until they were reintroduced four years later by a mutual friend, Bob Roy. Matchmaker Bob was also present at their destination wedding in St. Thomas in 2006 to give the bride away. The following year, they welcomed their first daughter, Sophia, and soon after, the family relocated to Daphne, Alabama for Andy’s new position as the Corporate Controller for Signal International. In 2009, they welcomed their second daughter, Sarah, and completed their family.
Optimism and good humor were Andy’s hallmarks, even through difficult times. His unwavering commitment to remaining positive was an inspiration to those who knew him. It was his incredible love and devotion to his family that helped him live life as fully and as long as possible, despite receiving a devastating ALS diagnosis in 2011. His family feels blessed that he had slow-progression for many years, allowing him to watch his girls grow up. He assured Lisa when he was diagnosed, “I’m not leaving anytime soon, because you’ll just mess up the girls without me around.”
In 2019, his family, along with three of his siblings, set out to do the unthinkable: Take a 6,700-mile road trip spanning 15 states over three weeks in a rented RV that was not handicap accessible. This bucket-list trip was supposed to include only three national parks but ended up with a lot more sights and adventures than anticipated. The trip wore out everyone except Andy, who was energized and ready to start planning the next vacation less than an hour after returning home (30 minutes to be exact.)
When it became challenging for Andy to travel long distances, the family purchased a beachfront condo in Orange Beach, Alabama and made it accessible for his use. Having been scuba divers for many years and marrying on the beach, it was important for them to be able to return to their happy place to make memories, as often as possible. It became a tradition to celebrate Thanksgiving at the beach every year, often with friends and family joining.
An integral part of Andy’s care at home and at the beach was provided by a team of compassionate nurses and aides. Their commitment to his comfort and happiness went above and beyond the standard. Jessica, Lenna, Ursaler, Val, Krystal, Elizabeth, Christina, and Mady never hesitated to make sure he felt honored and respected every day.
Andy is survived by his wife, Lisa, their daughters Sophia and Sarah, his mother Mary Musselman and nine siblings; Patrick Musselman (Linda), niece and nephews Kathleen Musselman, Michael Musselman and David Musselman; Marge Anderson (Tom); Dorothy Thomas; Elena Musselman; Bart Musselman; Theodore Musselman; Judy Musselman (Sven), niece and nephew Desire’ Musselman and Alex Musselman; Virginia Brown (Lanny), niece and nephew Kayla Gobert and Craig Gobert, Jr.
Andy is preceded in death by his father, Clarence Musselman, and stepmother Elizabeth Musselman
A memorial service for all of Andy’s family and friends will be held at Spanish Fort United Methodist Church, 6690 Spanish Fort Blvd, Spanish Fort, AL, on Saturday, February 28 at 1:00 pm. Immediately following the service, we will gather at the church’s Fellowship Hall to have refreshments, share stories, and celebrate the amazing man he was.
Donations may be made in Andy’s memory to Live Like Lou at https://www.livelikelou.org/donate Team Gleason, ALS TDI at https://teamgleason.org/ , The Elizabeth Dole Foundation at https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/ or ALSTDI for donations. www.als.net
Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.
Andy was a remarkable soul who faced ALS with courage. Even as the disease tried to take more and more, you fought to keep the core of who you were. For many years after your diagnosis your wit was sharp and your eyes still lit up when someone you loved walked into the room. Your spirit — stubborn, loving, and fiercely alive — refused to be defined by a diagnosis. You will be missed.
…some memories with Andy…
Legacy of the high school ‘class clown’: Siblings Pat, Jean, Andy, Marge, and Dorth all attended Downers Grove North High School. Pat’s 2 elder children also attended, and were each asked by several teachers, ‘do you have an older brother Andy?’ His was the only name that came up, more than 15 years after he graduated. (Pat)
In 2010 Andy and younger brother Ted followed 4-stages of the Amgen Tour of California cycling event, cheering riders at the start and finish lines. Andy bought a tour t-shirt that has dozens of autographs from top riders, which was framed and displayed. We fully enjoyed that ‘scavenger hunt’, going from one team bus to another. (Ted)
Another fond memory was a long May weekend in Pensacola Beach. We had what felt like our very own section of beach that we all enjoyed, in addition to a little jet skiing, and of course – a quick bike ride. I was so happy to have time with Andy, Lisa, Sophie, Sarah, Pat, Linda, Dorth and especially my Mom. -sorry if I forgot anyone else there. (Ted)
Although I never had the privilege of meeting Andy, I have had the blessing of spending time with Sophia, Sarah, and Lisa. They are among the strongest, most positive, intelligent, and beautiful people — inside and out — that I have ever known. The love and respect with which they speak of their husband and father speaks volumes about the man he was.
With love to all of you.
I enjoyed spending time with my older brother Andy. He was smart and conducted himself in a straight forward, honest manner, with consideration of others. He was competitive and expected a lot of himself. He wanted others to meet their challenges. I once made the mistake of asking to go on a bike ride with him. I was around 11 years old and what I hoped would be a leisurely bike ride through the neighborhood chatting with Andy turned out to be a fight for breath and willing my legs to keep peddling. Perhaps the cycling bug was in him all along.
He gave wise, simple advice without judgement like when I was telling him about having a problem fixing something that should have been easy and he told me, “Things are designed to fit together so either you have the wrong part or you’re assembling it wrong.” I had the wrong part.
Andy carried a calm, positive energy and had an easy, if somewhat mischievous, smile. He paid attention and found humor in things, like when he decided Elena Sue sounds like Potato Soup so that became my nickname. If you watched a movie with him he made you pay attention to the funny parts.
It was wonderful to see Andy at his happiest marrying Lisa and becoming a proud father to Sophia and Sarah. Spending time with Andy and Lisa you witnessed the special spark they shared.
Andy’s smile will always be in my mind’s eye and his memory will always find a way to make me smile too. Take care, dear brother, I’m grateful for the time we got to share…
Andy’s zest for life was evident from an early age. When he was about 6 or 7, he went sledding, took a tumble, and ended up with stitches on his chin. Undeterred, after the stitches were removed, he was right back out there. (Unfortunately for Mom, he again took a tumble, and again needed stitches on his chin!)
As his younger sibling, I didn’t always appreciate his humor. Always a kidder, he would proclaim dramatically that when he was born…he heard a distant voice…that told him…there would be one born after him…and his job…was to give her a hard time. But it didn’t take too long to know he truly meant no harm.
He was a fun-loving, good-hearted brother. In our teens, he would take me for motorcycle rides, and let me drive while cruising in his prized new car.
He loved telling a good story, too. My favorites include an object discovered while diving with Lisa that became sunken treasure, and Sarah’s early aversion to sand at the beach that recalled Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible dropping on a wire–stopping just short of the ground.
At his core, Andy wanted the best for those he loved, and always encouraged them to reach for the stars. I’d like to think that he’s among those stars, twinkling as our reminder to keep reaching, and have fun along the way.
So sorry for the passing of Andy Clarence and my dad( Charlie or Everett) were brothers.. I knew you older children when you lived in Fort wayne and I babysat for the three oldest then you all moved to Downers Grove and every time my family came to Chicago we visited your family and when we went to Uncle Donald’s home uncle Clarence would bring some on you with him! Never made it to Houston to visit!! I am glad to know that Aunt Mary is still alive. I have wondered about her! Tell her hello for me!!! Again so sorry and praying for all of you at this time of loss!🙏🙏🙏
It has been decades since I knew Andy in Dallas, but I fondly remember him as kind, generous and funny. I think he had a boat that our friend group took to a local lake. His patience and quick smile suggest to me that he was a great father and he seemed like a natural family man. ALS taking him is a tragedy. I hope that his family finds some comfort in what I expect will be the unanimous sentiment that Andy was a good friend and man who lived his all-to-short life well.