Jack W McMillan

Jack McMillan, 85, of Terre Haute, passed away Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 28, 2011, at Westridge Health Care Facility. He was born Oct. 15, 1926, as Harry Zidan in Summit County, Ohio, and for 50 cents he was adopted on April 18, 1930, by Carl and Dena McMillan. He was then named Jack Wayne McMillan.

He lived his younger years in Lyford, a son of a coal miner. Later they moved to Terre Haute, where he attended State High School and was on the basketball team. His father and grandfather taught him the art of squirrel and rabbit hunting. They spent many summers camping on Sugar Creek, where anyone can tell you he had the eagle eye and shooting talent. He could clean a squirrel in 10 minutes or less and not leave a hair on it. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps and proudly served his country during World War II, and Korea, when he returned to Terre Haute after being wounded in Korea. He was awarded the purple heart for his injuries. He worked at Visqueen Corporation and latter spent 20 years at Eli Lily, where he retired at the age of 62. He was a race fan and for over 25 years or more worked on the safety crew at the sprint car races at Terre Haute Action Track. He also traveled with Dave Peperak race team. He along with his Marine pals, Ono Keller, Willard Ely, Pete and Nils Johnson were instrumental in developing the Joseph A. Bray Marine Corps Detachment. He served as commandant and worked with the Bingo group and also was Honor Guard, where he participated in many parades showing the colors of his country and his Corps. He attended many funerals to honor his fallen brothers. When you saw him he was always ready to tell you how proud he was to be a Marine and what an honor it was for him to have served his country.

He is survived by his daughter, Dena Kay Samm and husband Bill; two grandsons, Dr. Bill J. Samm and wife Amy, and John “Tony” Samm; three great-grandchildren, Jacob, Maggie and Emily Samm. He was preceded in death by his parents; three wives, Margaret, Alberta and Deanna; and two special nephews, John Michael McKillop and Stan Korenski.

He was a member of American Legion, Veteran of Foreign Wars, DAV, and Joseph A. Bray Marine League.

Special thanks to Westridge Nursing staff for their care and kindness and to Vista Care Hospice group. He will be missed by all who will remember that he would always have a story to tell you.

Visitation will be on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Mattox-Wood Funeral Home, 4660 N. Lafayette Ave. Cremation will follow. Burial will be at a later date Donations can be made in his name to Toys for Tots or Vista Care Hospice.