Gordon Van McMillin

Gordon Van McMillin was born on August 28, 1933 in Everton, Missouri. He was the second of three sons born to Troy and Hazel McMillin. 

On Monday, December 16, 2024, Van, 91, joined in heaven his: parents, Troy and Hazel McMillin; son Mark McMillin; first wife and mother of his children, Joan Miller; brother Dean McMillin; and nephews, Kyle McMillin and 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 and 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 and 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 and positions most of which were in sales management. He was partner of an A&W franchise in Springfield, Missouri, 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 Salt Lake City, Utah, and then a partner in an Arctic Circle franchise, in Beatrice, Nebraska. 

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, Missouri, 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 and together they created memories. He loved life and enjoyed any activity with family or friends. 

He drove a race car in the 60s in Springfield. 

He had a boat and taught many of his co-workers and family to water ski (including his mother-in-law who was in her 60s). 

Van learned to fly; bought a plane; and took many friends and 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. 

Van loved to take his family and 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 Missouri, he enjoyed family mini vacations. He’d take 10-13 of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and spouses on many overnight trips to Branson. 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” and loved to visit with friends and strangers alike. Thanks to his 91 years of life, he had lots of “stories” to share.

Van loved the Lord and his First Baptist Willard Church family. In his last few months, his faith has given him a peace that has been a witness to those around him. 

Graveside service for family only was held at Missouri Veterans Cemetery.

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