Harold Dean McMillin

Harold Dean McMillin, 85, passed away Sunday afternoon December 11, 2016, in his home. He was born in Dade County, Missouri to Troy and Hazel (Thomason) McMillin.

Dean started his education going to various schools while his dad worked in the oil fields in Texas and finished elementary school in a one room school at Hampton, near Everton, Missouri.

He graduated from Greenfield High School in 1949 and so enjoyed keeping in touch with classmates. While there, he was proud to say he was part of the football team, playing in the Ozark Bowl.

After being employed on several jobs, Dean enlisted in the Air Force, serving a year in Korea and finishing his tour of duty at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. He kept in touch with several guys with whom he served.

On May 23, 1953, he was united in marriage in Greenfield to Nancy Grace Stapp. Their first home was in Florida, but they returned to Greenfield upon his discharge.

Dean was then employed with Empire District Electric Company and worked in the line department for over 30 years, working many wind and ice storm outages in Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma. He retired as foreman here in Bolivar.

Dean and Nancy were blessed with 2 children: son, Steve, of Paris, Tennessee; and Cheryl (Tony) Bowers of Bolivar who both survive. He also leaves three grandsons: Brian and Shelby McMillin of Paris, Tennessee; Jarrod and Deidra McMillin of Mayfield, Kentucky; and Chad Bowers of Colorado; and three great-grandchildren: Steven, Ivy, and Oliver McMillin of Mayfield, Kentucky.

He is also survived by two brothers: Van and Vickie McMillin; Chester and Donna McMillin; and a sister-in-law, Glendora Mahnken, all of Springfield, Missouri; nieces and nephews and many friends.

Dean was a member of the Bolivar First Christian Church and was chairman of the Property Committee for many years and continued helping with any physical labor needed in the church. He belonged to the American Legion and was a member of the Masonic Lodge for over 60 years.

Dean had many hobbies including caring for a beautiful yard and lovely rose garden, doing woodworking, reading, and shooting black powder rifles.

With Nancy, he traveled to 48 of the United States and visited many Civil War parks. He was always close to extended family members and all children in the neighborhood. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December 14, 2016, in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with burial in the Pennsboro Cemetery, south of Greenfield, Missouri, under the care and direction of the Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar.