Funeral services for Merle B. (Bill) McMillen, who passed away in the county hospital Wednesday of last week, were held in the Methodist church Friday and were in charge of Rev. C. W. Roll, pastor of the Christian church, assisted by Rev. I. D. Rayborn, pastor of the Assembly of God church.Raymond Cline and Lee Roy Cline, accompanied by George Wolf, organist, sang "Be Still, My Soul" and "My Jesus As Thou Wilt." The church was nearly filled with friends of the deceased.
The pallbearers were Fred Anderson, Charles Cummings, Henry Reasons, W. N. Parsons, Victor Willard and George Hackney. Interment was was in Crown Hill cemetery.
Obituary. Merle Bowers McMillen, son of the late Garth McMillen and of Mrs. Mae McMillen of Coldwater, Kansas, was born August 23, 1913, in Piedmont, Kansas, and passed away in the Comanche County Hospital, Coldwater, Kansas, April 15, 1953, at the age of 39 years, 7 months and 23 days.
When he was six years of age, the family moved to Leroy, Kansas, where he grew to manhood. In 1929, Mr. McMillen moved with his parents to Coldwater, Kans., and continued to make his home here.
He entered army service in July, 1942, having previously taken civilian pilot's training to qualify himself for flying. He received his "wings" at LaMesa, Texas, and was then sent to the South Pacific, area, where he flew a light plane in liason. In Okinawa his plane was shot down and he suffered severe injuires, including the loss of sight in one eye. Following hospitalization overseas, in San Francisco and in Springfeild, Mo., for a considerable time, he received a medical discharge in December, 1945.
Before entering the service, he was employed by the Fourth National Bank in Wichita and the Coldwater Sales Company. After leaving the armed services he was employed by the postoffice in Kansas City, Mo., for a time, and later by the Double D Motel in Coldwater.
He was preceded in death by his father, Garth McMillen, who passed away January 27, 1942, and is survived by his mother, Mae McMillen of Coldwater, Kans.; his sister Mrs. J. J. Jorgensen of Tucson, Arizona; his brothers, Harley McMillen of El Dorado, Kans.: Gene McMillen of El Verta, Calif.; Major Joe McMillen of Clark Field, Phillipine Islands and Hobart McMillen of Coldwater, Kans,; also by four nieces, nine nephews and a host of friends.
During recent years he became seriously ill and spent a number of months in Wadsworth Hospital at Leavenworth and in Wesley Hospital in Wichita.
Though he suffered much pain, he was uncomplaining and maintained a remarkable cheery outlook. He was a great lover of sports and enjoyed and cherished his friends. He was kind hearted and had a good word for all.
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