of The Woodlands, Texas, passed away on December 22, 2022, at the age of 80. McMillen was born in DuBois, Pennsylvania, to Glenn O. and Rebecca Hartman McMillen and had an incredibly rich and varied life, always ready for the next challenge and adventure.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Margaret (Peggy) J. Learn; two children, Heather M. (Kelly) Blevins and Christian L. (Melissa) McMillen; two grandchildren, Alexandra R. and Hayden T. Blevins; two step-grandchildren, Chloe and Sophie Wolf; and sisters Maxine and Jan.
McMillen was a graduate of Punxsutawney High School, Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. During his more than 55 years in funeral service, he served in various senior executive positions with various companies and professional organizations, including as president of the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association and later as president of NFDA.
McMillen was vice president of Fred F. Groff Funeral Home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, before joining Service Corporation International and serving as senior vice president of operations and chairman and CEO of SCI Australia. He was also instrumental in the development of the American Funeral Service Museum in Houston and served as its first president.
McMillen never considered himself retired but was constantly thinking of new ventures, leading when he could and mentoring many funeral service personnel who sought out his counsel. His contributions to funeral service are many and varied. He will be remembered and greatly missed.