Michael Maynard Fuson

Obituary

Michael Maynard Fuson, 71, of Granville, Ohio, died suddenly while traveling with his family in the Swiss Alps on August 16, 2026, after a day of hiking and taking photographs of the beautiful vistas. Michael was a man of principles and integrity beloved by his family and friends–he was a steady, curious, conscientious, intelligent, and companionable person whose presence is deeply missed.

Michael lived his life guided by values of peace, justice, and integrity. He was generous with his energy and skills, advocating for his fellow humans–especially those underserved–and the environment. Michael was a lifelong member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), and dedicated many years volunteering for the Friends Committee on National Legislation, culminating in his time as Clerk of the General Committee from 2023 to 2025. Michael also contributed to his local community as a tax preparer for the Licking County Coalition for Housing for several years in his retirement.

Michael was born in Richmond, IN, on September 29, 1954, to Helen Finley Fuson and William Meeker Fuson. He married his love Vanessa May Taphouse on August 29, 1982, and raised two daughters, guiding both to grow up to create successful lives deeply committed to their values as well.

Michael enjoyed a long career as a physical chemist; he graduated from Westtown School (1972), Haverford College (BA, 1976), Yale University (PhD, 1982), and completed postdoctoral work at the University of Utah before joining the faculty at Wabash College (1984-1989) and Denison University (1989-2020). Throughout his career, Michael studied the motion of molecules using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and took great joy in teaching and mentoring students. He served in several leadership positions throughout his time at Denison, including director of the Undergraduate Biological Sciences Education Program (2000-2006), chair of the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, and chair of the faculty.

Michael pursued his hobbies with a similar focus and care to his life’s work; he had a passion for travel, and visited all seven continents as well as 49 states in the U.S. He loved to travel with his wife and family, particularly enjoying camping trips, hiking, backpacking, and nature photography. He enjoyed gardening, and his diligent weeding supported the growth of abundant backyard veggies. He was a voracious reader, always attuned to current events while also enjoying the fictional worlds of science fiction and fantasy.

Michael cherished his time with extended family and was central to maintaining the tradition of regular Fuson family gatherings. Michael is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 44 years, Vanessa Taphouse Fuson; his two daughters, Laurel Fuson-Lang (Zachary) and Hannah Fuson (David Mason); his grandchildren Felix Lang and Pearl Mason; and his sister, Fran McQuail (Tony). He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Helen, and his two brothers, Jeffrey and Douglas Fuson. 

Donate

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) or the Licking County Coalition for Housing (LCCH).

Gallery

Memory wall

Memorial Service