Richard Musemeche Obituary

Dr. Richard Anthony Musemeche, 81, passed from this world to be embraced by the Lord on August 13, 2014, while surrounded by his loved ones. Dr. Musemeche was born on October 15, 1932 in New Iberia, Louisiana. He was a resident of Cypress, Texas for the last 12 years having previously lived in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Dr. Richard Musemeche's contributions to Louisiana education spanned more than 40 years. After earning his Bachelor Degree in Industrial Arts Education at the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now University of Louisiana, Lafayette), Richard began teaching at Judice High School in Judice, LA. He later earned his Master of Education at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Richard was then accepted as a doctoral student at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where he received his Ph.D. Dr. Musemeche joined the LSU Faculty teaching both graduate and undergraduate students in education and facility planning. Dr. Musemeche was the guiding force in the founding and development of the Louisiana Association of School Executives (LASE), an affiliate of the American Association of School Administrators (AASA). Starting with a few hundred principals, superintendents, and central office supervisors, Richard and his executive board built the association to more than 2,500 members statewide. Known for quality workshops and relevant annual conferences, LASE, under his leadership, delivered quality professional development that was timely and well received. We would not be surprised if, with St. Peter's approval, he organizes the educators he meets in Heaven. Dr. Musemeche was elected to the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) where he served two terms with distinction. During his tenure with BESE, he championed for fair and just accountability for students and teachers throughout Louisiana public schools. Richard was a generous and honorable man with a fine sense of humor. He served in the United State Air Force during the Korean War. He also served in the United States Marine Corp Reserve. He told colorful stories about boot camp at Paris Island, South Carolina. He was a skilled artist who enjoyed woodworking, charcoal and chalk sketching, and constructing beautiful stained glass lamps and panels. He took pleasure in gourmet cooking, especially Cajun and Italian dishes. Richard loved music, grocery shopping and, most of all, the LSU Tigers. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Concetta Maria Papa Musemeche, brothers Rocco Musemeche, Vincent Musemeche, and John Musemeche. He is survived by his wife Christa Hahn Musemeche of Cypress, Texas; his daughters Sabrina Musemeche Beckham, Susan Musemeche Lowrie and husband Kevin, Sabine Trotman and husband Clive; sons Peter Nett and wife Shannon, John McCabe and wife Dawn, and Jim McCabe; niece and personal nurse Kathi Hofmann; grandchildren Natalie Beckham Vanderhyden and husband Adam, Zoe Beckham, Benjamin Beckham, John Beckham, Kyle Beckham, Joseph Nett and Johnny McCabe; brother Charlie Musemeche; numerous nieces and nephews; and innumerable friends and acquaintances. He is also survived by his beloved dog Slickie. He will be truly missed. The family will hold a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice.