Willie McMillen

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Willie Gray McMillen, 85, of Charleston died Friday, Jan. 4, 2002, at his home.

He was born Jan. 8, 1916, in Murray, Ky., son of Maxie Thomas and Maggie Stagner McMillen. He and Mahala Christine Hill were married Dec. 13, 1941.

McMillen served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Survivors include his wife; three sons, Roy, Willie and Ronnie McMillen, all of Sikeston, Mo.; six daughters, Mary Pazdera, Nola Passley, Charlene Grisso, Sally Garrett and Wilma McMillen, all of Charleston, Barbara Wilson of East Prairie, Mo.; a brother, Grady McMillen of St. Louis; three sisters, Dorothy Patrick and Reva Switzer of Peoria, Ill., Margaret Cates of Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo.; 26 grandchildren; and 44 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by six brothers and three sisters.

Friends may call at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston after 9:30 a.m. Monday.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Lawrence Heckert officiating. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, with full military rites conducted by Missouri Military Honors Program.