Wilbur Lee McMillen's Obituary
Wilbur Lee McMillen, age 96, of Rural Chanute, KS passed away on Thursday, September 22, 2016 at NMRMC. Wilbur was born on October 19, 1919 in Chanute to Noah Edward and Ada Ann (Knapp) McMillen.
On September 24, 1939 he married Mary Irwin at the pastor’s house in Chanute. They would have celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary on September 24. They had known each other since they were in the first grade together. Mary survives him of the home.
Wilbur worked for Bennett Creamery in Chanute, KS and later Dewy, OK after high school until he was drafted during WWII into the Navy. He served aboard the USS Suisun as a radar, sonar operator from 1944 through November 1945. The ship was present in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945 for Japan’s formal surrender ceremony. After he returned home from the war, Wilbur went to work on his farm, which he loved. He enjoyed raising cattle, growing crops, and welding and fixing equipment. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting in his free time. Wilbur also worked for a time as the director of the Production Credit Association or what is now Farm Credit Services. He was a member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church.
Wilbur’s family includes:
Wife:
Mary McMillen of the home Sons:
Kenneth McMillen and wife Beth of Loda, IL
Richard McMillen and wife Charlotte (Deceased) of Loudon, TN Bill McMillen and wife Kathy of Chanute, KS
Daughter:
Jane Crawshaw and husband Johnny of Clay Center, KS
15 Grandchildren
29 Great Grandchildren
7 Great Great Grandchildren
Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents; 6 brothers and 1 sister.
A funeral service will be held Monday, September 26, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Otterbein United Methodist Church in Chanute. A visitation will be held prior to the service on Monday, September 26, 2016 from 10 a.m - 12 p.m. at Countryside Funeral Home, Johnson Chapel. Military Honors will be conducted by the Chanute Honor Guard. Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com. Families request memorials to the Otterbein United Methodist Church and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Services have been entrusted to: Countryside Funeral Home 101 N Highland, Chanute, KS 66720.
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