Donald A. Mueller

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Donald Mueller Obituary

Donald A Mueller

Don A. Mueller, 87, Baldwin City, died Monday, June 24, 2013 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. A prolific playwright, lyricist, composer and pianist, Mueller was playwright-in-residence and taught speech communications at Baker University in Baldwin City from 1969 until 1983, where he also was director of the traveling religious drama troupe, the "Baker pLaymen," and later, "pLaity," that performed his original religious plays at area churches for many years.

Mueller perhaps was best known for his local historical musical stage production, "The Ballad of Black Jack," which told the story of the pro-slavery vs. free state conflict in Douglas County in the 1850's, culminating in the Battle of Black Jack near Baldwin City. The play was performed during the Baldwin Maple Leaf Festival from 1970 through 1983, then as the opening production in the newly-remodeled Liberty Hall in Lawrence in 1986; and after a 14-year hiatus, it was performed again in Baldwin City from 2001 through 2005, and then at Lawrence Arts Center in 2006 and 2007.

Mueller authored several plays that still are offered by Samuel French, Inc. for performance around the world.

In retirement, Mueller continued to produce and play piano for religious drama and free concerts in the area, featuring former students and performers from "pLaity" and the "Ballad of Black Jack."

Mueller was born May 12, 1926 in Toledo, Ohio, and was an ordained United Methodist minister. He served as pastor in churches in California, Ohio, and in England.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, and he is survived by a son, John Mueller, of Fresno, Calif., and two nephews, Rand Mueller of Toledo, Ohio, and Marsh Mueller, currently living in South America. He also is survived by the many former performers he directed over the years and community members who were touched by his music.

Cremation is planned. A celebration of Mueller's life will be Sunday, July 21, 2013 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at The Lodge at 502 Ames St., Baldwin City. Memorials are requested to the Easter Seals Capper Foundation, 3500 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604-1995.

Contact:

Steve Absher, 785-250-9473

[email protected]

Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.

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Published by Lawrence Journal-World from Jun. 28 to Jul. 4, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Mueller

13 Entries

Nancy Ramirez

July 22, 2013

God Bless you Don. I was so in awh of you as a teen-ager and after 47 years you will always hold a special part of my heart. There are so many wonderful comments already posted and they make me smile thru the tears. Don, you were very loved and will be greatly missed by so many.

Jeline Kelsey Harclerode

July 9, 2013

I learned so much from Mueller! Speech class at Baker was not easy, and I learned so much about "public speaking" from him during my freshman year. I still use some of his techniques today!

Playing the piano for the Ballad of Black Jack was one of the highlights of my Baker experience! Mr. Mueller's expectations were high and always led to quality productions. Any who were ever part of the pLaymen also knew the group provided a unique experience that would long be remembered.

Thank you, Mr. Mueller, for sharing your creative talents for so many years. You will be missed!

Kristi Wise Nyberg

July 3, 2013

So sorry to hear of Don's passing. I had the honor of singing in the Tonganoxie UMC Choir under his direction. He was indeed a very gifted musician, and a wonderful man...

Kay Kidwell Rosenwasser

July 1, 2013

Some of my most cherished memories of my time at Baker University were while travelling and performing with the Baker pLaymen under Don Mueller's direction. His talent and passion for bringing music and a message to many were remarkable. I am better for having known him.

Gloria Roach

June 29, 2013

I was lucky enough to sing in a choir he directed, be in a congregation where he preached and sing in a group under his direction. Such talent like Don's is rarely experienced. He lived and breathed music. I will have to admit I don't remember too many sermons from my 60 plus years, but I remember several of Don's. I have known so many people in my life who made a difference, but with Don it was extra special. He taught me so much, he encouraged me musically as well as in my personal life. He was a friend, a mentor, an inspiration. It was an honor to call him friend and an honor to be chosen to sing for him over the years in "Attune". Jerry and I are so sorry for the loss so many must feel, he touched so many lives. But I'm sure he's already got some really good singers lined up and is probably writing some nice 4 and 5 part harmony, and he'll be taking the show on the road because he can get around better now. Love you Don, you will be sorely missed.

marion roberts

June 29, 2013

Many years of respecting and enjoying Don and his work with people. He was a talented and caring man. I am happy to have shared a few years with him through our work with the Baker students and community.

June 28, 2013

I'm sorry for your loss. May God give you and your family peace in your time of sorrow.

Ms Porter

Ginger Bartley Wilkins

June 28, 2013

What a talented and generous man. His passion for music was inspiring. Don will be greatly missed.

Zachariah "Obidiah" Towns

June 28, 2013

I love you and I'll miss you very much. You were a good friend and a great mentor.

Don & Kim Towns

June 28, 2013

We are sorry to hear of Don's passing. Don was a very kind and polite gentleman that was a wonderful boss, friend and mentor to our son during his years at Baker University.