Robert Arthur Millhouse Jr.

He was born in Inglewood, CA on July 15, 1925. As a child, Robert was active in Boy Scouts, and participated in swimming, track and field, and football. He also helped his father with tile-setting work, and photography.

Robert graduated from Inglewood High School in 1943, and promptly joined the US Navy to serve in WWII. After leaving the Navy in 1946, he began his professional career in accounting in Los Angeles (including management in the athletic program at USC), Not long after, he transitioned into the growing aerospace industry at North American Aviation, (which later became Rockwell International). After working several years there, he joined a new aerospace company in Orange County (Anaheim), called Aeronutronic, which eventually was purchased by Ford Motor Co., and Philco (Philadelphia Electronics). This company grew to become Ford Aerospace in Newport Beach, and at its height employed 3,600 employees. Robert “rose through the ranks” there, to become the Director (VP) of Operations, with over 800 reports. During his time at Ford Aerospace, Robert hosted Henry Ford II several times for operations reviews/plant tours. After retiring from Ford Aerospace, Robert did work/consulting stints at Hughes Aircraft, Northrop Aircraft (B2 program), and Aerojet Ordnance.

In addition to his professional career, Robert volunteered in Boy Scouts (Scoutmaster), President of the OC Girl Scout Council, co-founded the Contract Management Extension Program at UCI, and served on the OC Business Council.

Over the years, Robert had passions for sailing, backpacking, guitar playing, tennis, and cycling.

Robert was a long-time member of Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Santa Ana.

Robert was married to Betty Belle Millhouse (Larson) for 68 years! They married in Inglewood, and later lived in Downey, Orange, and Irvine. They had two children, Linda (deceased), and Richard.

Robert is survived by Richard Millhouse (son), Emily Millhouse (granddaughter), Kelly Millhouse (daughter-in-law), and many wonderful relatives and friends!

A Burial service will be held at Fairhaven Memorial Park, in Santa Ana, on Sunday, March 14th at 1:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life event (date/place TBD). For more information, please visit the Fairhaven Memorial Park website, at dignitymemorial.com.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Alzheimer’s Association, Orange County Chapter, at alz.org, thank you.