Charles "Herb" Mcmillian

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, pastor, patriot and friend, Herb McMillian, passed on to his heavenly home June 25, 2023.

Born on January 17, 1931, Herb grew up in the Marquand and Fredericktown areas and attended schools in both Madison and St. Francois counties. As a young man, in addition to playing on several baseball teams, he established and operated a successful grocery store until he enlisted in the Army at age 20. After serving during the Korean Conflict, he returned home to Fredericktown in November 1952. Beginning in 1957, he served as a Sergeant for his National Guard unit in Farmington for three years.

Herb was preceded in death by his three sisters, Ruby Bullock-White, Geneva Crump-Langheld and June Moyers-White.

On December 5, 1955, he married Doris Elaine Francis and together they raised three sons: David (Barb) McMillian, of Park Hills, Darrell (Julie) McMillian of Imperial, Roger (Jane) McMillian of Park Hills.

Herb was grandfather to seven:  Amy (John), Jeremy (Leanna), Lauren, Lois (Brandon), Stuart (Jennifer), Matt (Becky), Nick (Sammi) and great-grandfather to seventeen:  Lexi, Kimber, Kaden, Sam, Zella, Jessie, Rory, Addie, Penny, Ellie, Mari, Margaret, Bohdi, Zaylee, Zeah, Marley and Emerson.

Herb was a true patriot and had a strong love for both his country and his family. His greatest enjoyment, however, came from his years of dedicated church service with the Free Will Baptist Association. After 31 years of service with the Missouri Department of Mental Health, Herb retired and began his “second career” as an ordained Free Will Baptist Minister. He served and fellowshipped with many treasured friends and associates throughout Madison, St. Francois and Washington Counties over the past 40+ years.

“Pastor Herb” was a beloved preacher, teacher and friend. For the past 29 years, he served as the Associate Pastor of Gospel Light Free Will Baptist Church alongside Pastor Larry Allison. The Gospel Light family truly was his family, and he treasured the fellowship and community that Pastor Larry and he developed over many years of shared service. The warmth and wit he would share with all those he met is cherished by all who knew him.

Herb was also an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing and enjoyed following Cardinals baseball.

The family will receive friends, Friday evening, June 30, 2023, at Gospel Light Freewill Baptist Church at 7422 Stormy Lane, Bonne Terre, Missouri from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again on Saturday, July 1, 2023, from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM. Pastor Larry Allison will be officiating. The graveside service will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Leadington with full military honors. Memorial contributions may be directed to Gospel Light Freewill Baptist Church or Wounded Warriors.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home in Desloge. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at czboyer.com.