Van McMillin

(From Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home)

Gordon Van McMillin August 28, 1933 - December 16, 2024

Van was born on August 28, 1933 in Everton, MO. He was the 2nd of 3 sons born to Troy & Hazel McMillin. On
December 16th Van joined in heaven his: parents, Troy & Hazel McMillin; son Mark McMillin; first wife & mother of his children, Joan Miller; brother Dean McMillin; and nephews, Kyle McMillin & Christopher Horne.

He is Survived by: wife, Vickie; daughters, LeAnn Garrett (Dan) & Teresa Herman (Joe); granddaughters, Summer Cullen & Taylor Medley (Jesse); great grandchildren, Rianne & Blake Cullen & Alice & Mark Medley; brother, Chester McMillin (Donna); sisters-in-law, Nancy McMillin; Diana Ward; Pam Horne (Tom); Cheryl Jones (Marc); nephews: Steve McMillin; Allen McMillin (Jill); Bruce McMillin (Tammy); Adam Jones (Janie); Blake Jones (Melody); nieces, Cheryl Bowers (Tony); Casey Ward; and many grand & great nieces & nephews.

Van graduated from Greenfield High School where playing football was his favorite subject. He served in the United States Army from 1953-1955 during the Korean War.

During his 55-year career, Van worked in many cities, industries & positions most of which were in Sales Management. He was Partner of an A&W Franchise in Springfield, MO where he also worked at the A&W Concessions at the Fairgrounds numerous years. He was a Vice President managing the Midwest Region for a Fast-Food Chain based in SLC, UT and then a Partner in an Arctic Circle Franchise, in Beatrice, NE. In 1980 Van moved to Wichita where he was employed as an Auto Sales Manager until he retired in 1995. However, retirement had him missing his “people connection” so he went back to work driving a Special Ed School Bus of Kindergarteners. In 2004, he moved back to Willard, MO to be near Family and began driving a school bus for Willard Schools until finally retiring in 2006 for good.

Van married Vickie in 1981 & together they tried to create & give memories. He loved life & enjoyed any activity with Family or Friends. He drove a race car in the 60s in Springfield. He had a boat & taught many of his coworkers & Family to water ski (including his mother-in-law who was in her 60s). Van learned to fly; bought a plane; & took many friends & family on their first plane ride including his Dad when he was in his 80s. He even jumped out of a perfectly good airplane in his 50s. He went Parasailing in the Bahamas with his wife; rode the rapids through the Royal Gorge with Friends; road Segways multiple times with Family in Colorado & Branson; learned to snow ski in his 50s & skied with his Friends & Family in both Colorado & Utah. Van loved to take his Family & In-laws on trips or excursions. He was IN, whether it was: snow skiing in Utah; a trip to Yellowstone; a Guided Striper Fishing trip at Texoma Lake including a night stay in a cabin; or a scary 18-foot vertical drop on a water slide. After moving back to MO, he enjoyed Family mini vacations. He’d take 10-13 of his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren & spouses on many overnight trips to Branson staying in a different place each time with different activities planned. He even managed to take the whole Family on a cruise to the Bahamas where they got to swim with the Dolphins.

Van was a “people person” & loved to visit with friends & strangers alike. He could often be spotted sitting in his driveway visiting with his Neighborhood Family. Thanks to his 91 years of life, he had lots of “stories” to share.

Van loved the Lord & his Church Family. Whether his immediate & extended Family, his close Friends, his First Baptist Willard Church Family, or his Neighborhood Friends, he considered them all Family & was so thankful that the Lord put each of them in his life. In his last few months, his Faith has given him a peace that has been a witness to those around him. He knew where he would be going on God’s timing.

 

Van & Vickie are so thankful for all of the Team from Seasons Hospice. Everyone who entered our door provided
such good and compassionate care and brought joy to our days. They made a difference in our lives.

Graveside Service for Family Only at Missouri Veterans Cemetery is Pending.

In Lieu of Flowers, feel free to make a donation to First Baptist Church Willard or a Charity of your choice.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com