Donald C. McMillen

On the evening of August 8th, his dad’s birthday, Donald Charles McMillen Jr. peacefully passed away into the waiting arms of our dear sweet lord and savior Jesus Christ. Soon more shouts of joy and laughter could be heard from heaven. "Dads here", "Hi Grampa". Don was finally home. He was wrapped in the strong arms of our son Robert, son-in-law Rick, and grandsons, Caleb, Connor, and Jonathon plus so many more.

Don was born on May 23, 1948 to Frances and Donald Charles McMillen Sr. of Hinckley, Illinois. He was a Hinckley boy. Mischievous as a youngster. As a teen he and others climbed to the top of the Hinckley water tower for something to do.

It was March 6, 1965 when he and Terry M. went to the Jr. Carnival Dance at Sandwich. There he asked a girl to dance. That young girl was me. After high school came the Marine Corp and Vietnam. He was wounded. Spent time on the hospital ship USS Repose where they awarded him the purple heart. Recently he told me "Don't forget my purple heart. I am very proud of it."

We were married on September 11, 1968. We became parents to a beautiful baby boy - Richard Charles. Then twins Robert Andrew and Wendy Renee followed. Don had a 35 year career with GTE/Verizon. He enjoyed being able to get in his truck and drive to wherever dispatch sent him. Some days all the way to the Wisconsin border and back.

He loved going to auctions and estate sales where he saw and talked to friends - new and old. He so enjoyed having coffee with the guys over at Somonauk. Shout out to all his friends at The Sandwich VFW --- He loved you.

But it was his family he loved most. Helping Richard was a must--the set-ups, tear downs, working in the booth during festivals. Being with Rich was so important to him.

He'd drive across town to see Wendy and eat snacks that he wasn't supposed to eat. What a team they were. Don would come home with crumbs on his shirt from the forbidden pretzels.

He enjoyed being a grampa. His grandchildren were like the rays of the sun. He couldn't get enough of them.

I'm Denise, his wife of 57+ years. We so enjoyed life together. So many adventures-so much love.

In 1988 Don was chairman of the Oak Ridge Veteran's Memorial Project at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Sandwich. It was dedicated on November 13, 1988.

In 1990 he was instrumental in bringing "The American Dream-Interrupted" by Jackie Marx to the Sandwich Opera House.

During the Vietnam war he served with the 1st Marine Division, Kilo Company, 3/7 where lifelong friendships were made. So strong to this day!

He was a member and past commander of Lewis P. Schultz VFW Post 1486 of Sandwich Il. Life member of the American Legion. Member of Vietnow, Dekalb county, Illinois.

Don is survived by his wife, Denise; Son, Richard (Ashleigh); Daughter, Wendy; Grandchildren, Sarah (Maxx), Morgan, Nick; Great grandchildren, Lincoln, Liam, Kasper, and Atticus; Also his sister, Victoria of New Mexico; And nephews, Jason and Joshua.

He was preceded in death by his son, Robert; His son-in-law, Rick; Grandsons, Caleb, Connor, and Jonathon.

Memorials may be donated to the charity of the donors choice.

A memorial visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 19, 2026 held at the Beverage Family Funeral Home, 104 Terry Street, Sandwich, IL. a memorial service will follow at 1:00 P.M. with a graveside service to follow out to Oak Ridge Cemetery in Sandwich with Military Services. Arrangements were entrusted to Beverage Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.beveragefamilyfh.com