Gary McMillen Obituary

Gary L. McMillen

Gary L. McMillen, 73, of Findlay, passed away peacefully at 4:03 p.m. Saturday, July 9, 2022, in the Hospice wing of Blanchard Valley Hospital, surrounded by his family. Gary was born May 10, 1949, to the late Dana B, and Mary Lou (Fox) McMillen. Gary graduated from Arlington High School in 1967. He married Debra L. (Pepple) on Sept. 20, 1968, and they were married for 53 years.

Gary is survived by his wife, Debra; two children, Kami (Isaac) Woltz of Findlay and Kyle McMillen (Gil Padia) of Oakland, California; three grandchildren, Jared Hall of Columbus, and Isabella and Lydia Woltz; brother, Al (Roberta) McMillen of Troy, Michigan; brother and sister-in-law, Kevin and Patricia (Pepple) Williamson of Berea; sisters-in-law, Sharon Pepple of Inlet Beach, Florida and Nancy Pepple of rural Findlay; and many nieces and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Paul and Sara Pepple; and brothers-in-law, Lon Pepple and Mark Pepple.

Gary worked briefly in machine shops before helping Keith Smith remodel the old chicken hatchery in Arlington into apartments. This is where he first learned how to build and fix anything, a skill that he used all his life, remodeling his home of 53 years many times. Being involved in sales all his life, Gary joined his father in opening McMillen Realty and sold real estate until 1989. His last endeavor was maintenance for Appraisal Research, where again he could fix anything and solve any problem. Gary was also a "picker" and would buy and sell antiques, but his main hobby was buying and selling postcards, especially Findlay. He enjoyed collecting coins. Gary enjoyed golf and taking care of his yard.

Gary was such a family man and adored his grandchildren. While the grandchildren attended Lincoln School, much time was spent with them before and after school. He also enjoyed attending baseball, hockey, and soccer games, and dance recitals. He loved taking them fishing, to the zoo, and to the park. Many wonderful vacations were with family in Smoky Mountains, Myrtle Beach, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Oakland, California, visiting lighthouses in Michigan, at the beach in the Outer Banks, North Carolina, and in Destin and Inlet Beach, Florida. Gary and Debbie's most recent vacation was in Nashville, Tennessee with friends; and in Destin and Inlet Beach, Florida with his sister-in-law, Sharon Pepple. Gary recently received a visit from his niece and family of Tualatin, Oregon, Alisa and Larry Pegis, and children, Alex and Annie, where he was affectionately referred to as the "fun" uncle.

Gary was a member of First Lutheran Church, Findlay. Visitation will be Thursday, July 14, 2022, from 5-8 p.m at Coldren-Crates Funeral Home, Findlay. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, July 15, 2022, at First Lutheran Church, Findlay, with one hour of visitation prior to the service at the church. Pastor Bob Cochran will officiate and interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to either Armes Cancer Center or Bridge Hospice, Findlay. Condolences are welcomed at www.coldrencrates.com.