George Arthur Hussey JR

IN MEMORY OF: GEORGE ARTHUR HUSSEY, JR Serving Location: CRAIN PLEASANT GROVE-MURDALE FUNERAL HOME 31 Memorial Drive, Murphysboro, Illinois Emeritus Professor and Musician, George A. Hussey, Jr., passed away two days short of his 97 years in Deaconess Hospital, Evansville, IN due to complications from spine surgery. He was born in Cleveland, OH on February 28, 1927. He was a veteran of WWII where he served in the Army/Air Force along with performing in the Army band. George then graduated from Baldwin-Wallace College of Music in Bera, OH in 1950 where he met and married his wife, Grace Campbell. They were married a few months shy of 70 years. She preceded him in death on December 29, 2019. As a young musician he performed on the road with the jazz group lead by Buddy Morrow playing tenor saxophone, but his love was always classical music. George held principal Oboe along with English Horn with the Chattanooga, TN Symphony, the Indianapolis, IN Symphony; the St. Louis, MO Symphony and the St. Louis, MO Muni Opera. While in St. Louis he received both his MA in Music Education and Doctorate of Oboe and English Horn from Washington University. In 1963 he came to SIU-C with his wife, Grace and two children Marcia and Scott where he taught applied oboe students, various music courses, private students and performed with the Woodwind Quintet. He also headed the music department at the Siu-C Nakajo, Japan Campus for several years and conducted the SIU-C Symphony his final year before retirement for a total of 34 years. George loved his oboe lessons with then SIU-C president Albert Somit and the two often played duets together privately. He became choir director of his church, First Christian Church Disciples of Christ-Carbondale for several years. George contributed his musical talent to not only performing but also to teaching many students, some who have gone on to great performance and/or teaching careers of their own. Perhaps the Heavens will be filled with the sound of the English Horn solo from Defilla’s The Three Corner Hat, his favorite. George is survived by his children, Marcia and Scott; adopted children, Robert and Megan; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by wife, Grace who greeted him in Heaven, along with his parents and other relatives. Cremation rites have been accorded. A private inurnment was in Pleasant Grove Memorial Park Mausoleum. A Celebration of Life for George and Grace Hussey, hosted by the family will be Sunday, March 10, 2024 from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm in the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, Carbondale. Arrangements have been entrusted to Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home.

George Arthur Hussey JR

February 28, 1927 - February 26, 2024