Richard Paul Musial, Born May 5, 1953, in Detroit, Michigan, succumbed peacefully to death on February 6, 2026, in Corpus Christi, Texas, from long term health issues.

A native Michigander, Rik was born to a family of Polish decent and grew up fast at a young age when his birth mother passed away. Meeting his adoptive parents Leonard and Jackie Schefke, he thrived as a teen playing football and various other sports. Rik was musically inclined and played the electric guitar throughout his life.

In 1971, he was drafted into the military and served as an honorable SP-4 Specialist in the US Army. He completed tours in Vietnam and Indochina. Before being dischargeed officially in 1972, Rik was stationed at Navy Air Station, TX. On a night out with a fellow soldier, and future brother-in law, William Jackson, Rik met soon to be wife, Antonia, at a local base dance hall, Tides Club. They quickly married and soon after, their first child, Michael Scott, was born. Soon after, his two daughters, Christina Michelle and Jessica Marie, joined the small family. After brief living stints in other Texas cities, the family settled in Corpus Christi, Texas. Rik worked at CC Army Depot designing programs for aircraft and played in a classic military rock band. He retired in 2001 and continued to enjoy his passion for sports and music. Rik was often on the golf course, watching history programs, or on his computer playing cards while enjoying a stiff whisky and a cigarette.

Rick is survived by his son, Michael Scott Musial (wife Shannon Lee and daughters Ernalee, Briana, and Madison Scott); eldest daughter, Christina Michelle Rangel (husband Martin and daughters Samantha Marie, Blaire Nichole, Abby Danielle, and son, Christopher James, and great- grandchildren, Jordan, Jadelynn, Haydea, Adrian, James, and Aubree); youngest daughter, Jessica Marie Riley (husband Arthur and son Brandon Jordan); his father, Leonard Schefke; brothers, Leonard Schefke Jr. and David Langdingburg; sister; Denie Langdingburg; and step brothers, step sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and close friends.

Rik is preceded in death by his wife, Antonia Musial; birth mother, Caroline Langdingburg, his mother, Jackie Schefke, and sister, Laura Schefke.

Rik was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a friend. He was a living paradox and lived his life authentically by his rules. Rik was known to have as many lives as a cat and never backed down from a fight. He was unapologetically blunt and often extended a hand to those he could help. His family and friends serve as witnesses to his life and he leaves us with both scars and smiles.

His favorite musicians were, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Queen, Tom Petty, The Beetles, Journey, The Who, The Kinks, and Ted Nugent. His favorite song was, “Cat’s in The Cradle”.

Some fondest memories of Rik include him playing Santa Claus for his grandchildren, fishing with his son, teaching his daughter-in-law pool with geometry, visiting amusement parks and winning bags of stuff animals for his daughter, coaching his children’s various sports teams, and private jam sessions of his favorite songs, for those who were fortunate enough to hear them.

Rest in peace Rik, “To thine own self be true.”