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Dr. John R. Muma, 83, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi passed away on Thursday, June 10, 2021. A memorial service will be held in his honor on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at 3 pm at Main Street Baptist Church in Hattiesburg. The family requests that flowers be sent to or contributions be made to Main Street Baptist Church (11 Main Street Blvd, Hattiesburg, MS 39402). John was born on January 19, 1938 in Allegan, Michigan. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Central Michigan University, and received his Ph.D. degree at Pennsylvania State University in Speech and Language Sciences. Dr. Muma culminated his career as a professor with 23 years in the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences at the University of Southern Mississippi; his other professorships included: Chair of the Department at Texas Tech University, The University of Alabama, Memphis State University, Chair of the Department at State University of New York, Southern Illinois University, Chair of the Department at The University of Alberta, Canada, Central Michigan University, and Truman State University. Dr. Muma was awarded the coveted title of “Fellow” of the national American Speech and Hearing Association. He the authored 10 academic books and published 74 peer-reviewed journal articles. The Language Handbook: Concepts, Assessment, and Intervention, which he wrote in 1978, was one of the most widely read textbooks on language development ever published. John was a highly sought after speaker for many years in his field and presented numerous workshops and papers at the national ASHA convention. John and Diane Muma owned Natural Child Publishing Company and created the Muma Assessment Program (MAP) that was used around the country, England and Australia. John had an enduring passion for fishing lures. His book, Old Fly Rod Lures, is considered one of the most comprehensive antique fishing lure guides, containing over 1,100 color photographs of the rarest vintage fishing lures ever sold. He was an avid fisherman, and he loved watching the Chicago Cubs play baseball. Dr. Muma was an outstanding poet and composed many poems throughout his life. John was an active member of Main Street Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir. He is survived by his daughter, Taylor Muma Swinehart (Ronald) of Denver, Colorado. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clark and Bernice Muma; and his sister, Ada Jean Eifler. John is also survived by his twin brother, James D. Muma of St. Louis, Missouri; his brother-in-law Dr. Norman Eifler of Mount Pleasant, Michigan; two nieces, Deborah Eifler Edman (Tim) and Katherine Eifler Demerath (John); two nephews, David Eifler (Lisa) and Robert Eifler (Chris); four grand nieces and nephews; and four great grand nieces and nephews. John was loved and will be greatly missed.
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