- Date Of Birth: January 7, 1930
- Date Of Death: July 29, 2010
- State: Michigan
In Loving Memory of Garold “Pete” McMillen
Pete is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Sheila Rae Butler McMillen.
Sons: Robin, Kevin, and Kerry
Grandchildren: Raven and Ariol, Nicholas, Shelly and Leanne
Sheila’s sister, Sharon and her husband Bob Clark.
Nephews & Nieces: Craig and Alisa Clark, Ed and Rene’ Campbell, Keith, Matthew and Julie Fuller.
Great nephews and nieces: Noah, Uriah, and Ella Campbell; Emily, AJ, and Zachary Clark; Gideon Fuller
There are many aunts, uncles and cousins across the country that will miss him.
Pete was born to Garold and Mercedith who preceded him in death.
He served our country in the National Guard for 12 years.
He worked at Oldsmobile as an engineer in Building #64, 1962-1987. His quest for the elusive Ling fish ended at his retirement party when he was given a trophy LING.
Pete’s love of antiques led to a booth at the Portland Flea Market where they made many life-time friends. In 1987 they moved McMillen & Husband to their home site. They became world – wide sellers of their special Fenton pieces that were made only for McMillen & Husband as Fenton Art Glass Showcase Dealers, always in the top 15 in the nation. Their glass and business are written about in several glass collector encyclopedias.
Pete was always in the marble business. His childhood sales of marbles helped to pay for his first house. He was known as THE MARBLE MAN to many around the country. Friends and family spent many an hour in the “marble room” always leaving with that very special marble.
Sports played an active part in Pete’s life. He loved his Harleys, MSU sports and pool. He encouraged one and all to join in the fun riding motorcycles, playing pool, and rooting on MSU. Fishing and boating thrilled him.
He took great pride in his Koi Pond. It was the center of every event at home, especially the fourth of July, the holiday that meant the most to Pete. His love for fireworks and pyrotechnics was contagious. His son, Kevin and nephews helped the celebration end with a bang. The fireworks show was the culmination of the fabulous celebration.
We all know of his gift of gab, spinning many a tale. We invite each of you to share your memories on this web site.
A Memorial service will be held on September 11, 2010 to celebrate Pete’s life. It will start at 5:00 p.m. followed by a dinner and souvenirs from the Famous Marble Room and McMillen & Husband. We have arranged for the gigantic Fireworks to end the evening with a BANG!
We all know of his gift to gab, spinning many a tale. We invite each of you to share your memories and if you will not be able to attend his celebration, please feel free to send an email or letter to me. I will be glad to have it read. We are sure you all have a tale or two to share with us.
The gathering of family and friends will be at Sheila and Pete’s home. All are invited. Please let us know if plan to attend. We would like to plan for food and souvenirs.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Ionia Community Mental Health Forget-me- not Wrap Around Program, 375 Apple Tree Dr., Ionia, MI. 48846 or The Sparrow Hospital Hospice.
The family can be contacted at [email protected].
11464 McCrumb Rd.
Portland, MI. 48875
Sheila: 517-627-2794 or
517-231-1965
