Kenneth E. McMillen

Kenneth E. McMillen, 85, of New Philadelphia, passed away December 6, 2016 in the Inn at Northwood Village at Dover.

A son of the late Delmer J. and Marie L. (Clark) McMillen, Ken was born November 5, 1931 at New Philadelphia.

Ken graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1950. Then on July 31, 1953, he married the love of his life, Alice (Rose) whom he was married to for over 60 years; together the couple raised two children, Jerry and Pat. Also, Ken and Alice were the proud owners and operators of McMillen’s General Store at Deersville. After purchasing the store, Ken introduced the homemade ice cream that many have enjoyed over the past 50 years, and still do today.

Ken’s distinct and infectious laughter warmed the hearts of those close to him as well as those he had just met. He embraced a deep love for his family, which includes the extended family that he made at the Inn at Northwood. He was a 50 year member of Mason Freeport Lodge #415 as well as a 50 year member of the Freeport Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star #319. He was also a member of the Broadway United Methodist Church. He enjoyed watching the Indians, Cavaliers and Rubberducks as well as spending his time woodworking. His biggest joy in life was spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren play sports and other activities.

He is survived by his children, Jerry McMillen of New Philadelphia and Pat (Paul) Wells of New Philadelphia; his grandchildren, Nick (Abby) McMillen of Dover, Erica (Adam) Miller of Massillon, Zach McMillen of New Philadelphia, Chad (Shawna) Wells and Brian (Tamra) Wells both of New Philadelphia; his great grandchildren, Morgan McMillen, Brandt, Reid, Aubrie and Katelyn Wells and Easton Miller as well as many cousins whom he was very close.

In addition to his wife and parents, Ken is preceded in death by a great grandson, Connor Wells.

The family will receive friends on Friday, December 9, 2016 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A funeral service celebrating Ken’s life will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Mick Foster officiating. Burial will follow in Patterson Union Cemetery at Deersville. A luncheon will be held in the fellowship hall at Broadway United Methodist Church following the committal service.

Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Ken by visiting the funeral home website, www.geibcares.com.

Contributions may be made in Ken’s memory to Broadway United Methodist Church, 120 Church Avenue SE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue, New Philadelphia, Oh 44663.