Mark Alan Milhoan

He is survived by his wife, JoAnne “Jody” Milhoan; his two daughters, Kristen (Matthew) Pack and their four children; Noah, Hannah, Adam, and Julia; Brittany (Ben) Johnson and their daughter, Everleigh; his sister, Rebecca “Becky” (Jack) Spicer, and numerous nieces and nephews residing in Parkersburg, WV, Leesburg, VA, and Atlanta, GA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Juanita Milhoan, and his brother, Paul Milhoan, Jr.

Mark was an avid musician, with the passion taking root while singing bass in the St. Mary’s First Baptist Church choir as a teenager. He went on to become a talented bass guitar player for both Christian and Rock band singing groups. Also, having grown up on the Ohio River, Mark always loved the water, whether fishing or boating. In his professional life, his capability as a process and efficiency expert led to over two decades as Lead Mechanical Field Engineer for Bechtel, maintaining eight of the nation’s nuclear power reactors. It is no surprise that the book he recently wrote, Port of Call, features all of these aspects of his life, makes reference to his family, and puts to words his strong faith in God.

In Port of Call, Mark emphasized that God is the source of all things good. Even when in life he was experiencing many health trials, he would continue to thank God for blessings received, and knew he was headed for a better place. This is similar to how the apostle Paul approached his final days at the end of his life of hardship in spreading the word of God. As described in 2 Timothy 4:6-8, Paul stated, “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.”

The word “departure” is very interesting. Understanding this word can help us understand death.

It was a nautical term. This word was used by sailors to speak of untying a ship so that it could sail. Have you ever watched a ship go over the horizon? You see it slip out of sight, but in truth, that ship is still sailing even though you can’t see it. You see, when a ship leaves a harbor, it will soon be entering another harbor.

On this side we say good bye, on the other side someone is saying hello.

Praise God. Mark is being welcomed into his heavenly family.

A Celebration of Life for Mark is scheduled for a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rockcofuneralmontevallo.com for the Milhoan family.