Michael Gerald "Mike" Mcmillan

Michael Gerald McMillan of Bellevue, MI

Mike, age 69, died Thursday afternoon, March 8, 2018 at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI, following a brief illness.

Mike, the son of Robert J. and Catherine I. "Jean" (Harden) McMillan, was born in Macomb, IL on May 24, 1948. He attended Battle Creek Central High School, but left early to enlist in the United States Navy, where he served honorably and nobly as a Seaman aboard the USS Canberra during the Vietnam War. As a young lad, he had a paper route; worked at Bill's Bait Shop and Phil Walters Auto Repair. After four years in the Navy, he returned to this area and was employed at United Steel & Wire and then became a Brakeman and Switchman for the Grand Trunk Railroad (now the C & N, Canadian National) for 31 years until he was injured on the job in 2000. Mike was a member at Calvary Baptist Church of Battle Creek, where he was active in numerous church activities such as painting and helping with the Christmas decorations. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, walking his dog, reading his Bible, playing his guitar and being with family.

Mike was united in marriage to the former Harriet Evelyn Hastings in Battle Creek on June 8, 1968. Surviving is his wife of almost 50 years, Harriet; his son, Michael Jason McMillan of Bellevue; his mother, Jean McMillan and his brother, Ronald McMillan, both of Alaska. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Bob and his daughter, Michelle Evelyn McMillan in June of 1988.

The Private Graveside Service to celebrate Mike's life will be held in Hicks Cemetery, Pennfield Township with the Rev. Thomas C. Townsend, officiating and the United States Navy Honor Guard bestowing military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mike's honor may be directed to the Calvary Baptist Church, 1625 Capital Avenue, NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017. The Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek is assisting Mike's family.