Howard M. McMillan - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Howard M. McMillan

August 4, 1943 - October 16, 2018


Howard M. McMillan, age 75, of Millsboro, DE passed away on Tuesday, October 16, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in West Chester, PA on August 4, 1943, he was the son of the late Letcher and Ina (MacMillan) McMillan. Howard grew up and attended school in Elkton, MD. He moved to Delaware in 1961 where he did carpentry work for several years.

In 1968, he and his family moved to Christiana where he joined the Christiana Fire Co. Howard found that he loved the fire service and moved through the ranks, becoming a Director, Chief and President. In 1972, the Wilmington Bureau of Fire hired him and on his birthday, August 4th and he was appointed and worked at Engine #8. Howard proudly received several accommodations for life saving of which he was very proud. On January 30, 1980, he was severely injured during a fire and had to retire from active firefighting. After a year of convalescing he was appointed to the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office where he served for 22 years. While there, he was promoted to Chief Deputy of the New Castle Division, a position he held for 7 years. He then transferred to Georgetown to finish his career. Howard received several accommodations while with the Fire Marshal’s Office and retired in November 2002. After retirement, Howard opened a cabinet shop “The Wood Shed.” Woodworking was his second love and he built custom cabinets for several years while taking care of his beloved home.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his 2 brothers and 4 sisters. Howard is survived by his wife of 29 years, Judy McMillan; daughters, Lee McMillan of Wilmington and Dawn Miles of Bear; 4 grandsons, Zach, Tony, Andy and Kenny; 1 granddaughter, Lauren; and 10 great grandchildren.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 pm until 7 pm on Sunday, October 21, 2018, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE. A second visitation will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Monday, October 22, 2018, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, where a time for sharing will begin at 11 am. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Howard’s memory to the Christiana Fire Company, 2 East Main St, Christiana, DE 19702.

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23 Condolences for Howard M. McMillan

  • rest in peace a great man and a dear friend you are missed

  • My pop pop a great man the only man I smile for and loved i will miss him

  • A true friend and an honorable man

  • My dear Uncle Howard, I know we didn’t see each other often, but my love for you has never wavered. The world and our family has lost a man that we never thought of living without. I know in my heart that you are with all of our loved ones and that you are no longer suffering and in pain. I will miss you greatly until we are all with you in Heaven. I love ya Uncle Howard.

  • Pop pop you are the greatest man I ever knew. I will never forget all the things you taught me and the many hours we spent in the work shop every summer. I love you so much and you will always be my hero.

  • I lost my greatest hero Tuesday morning. The smartest, most respected, dedicated to his family man I’ve ever known. You helped me be the person I am. We’re so much alike. I will always be thankful for the great childhood memories of growing up in the firehouse. But mostly dad, I’m thankful that I could be your comfort and let you feel safe enough to die with dignity, pain free, and loved until your last breath. Bye daddy, love your baby girl

  • I was name after one of the greatest men I’ve ever known witch watching him work and get where her has got himself in life has made me work so hard to get where I am today he was a great mentor and roll model to me just such a wonderful man

  • Rest in peace Howard. Say Hello to Bill for me. You lived an honorable life and so many people are better for knowing you.

  • Rest in peace Howard. I’ll miss seeing you at the office. You never once complained or had a negative word even though I know there were times you weren’t feeling very well.

  • Judy, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Please know that we are here for you.

  • Uncle Howard you were a wonderful human being and true Anerican hero. You will be sorely missed by so many. I’ll miss you and love you with all my heart. My heart is with your loving family as well. Love you. Coleen

  • Very sorry to hear of the passing of Howard. His public service career was admirable and his love for family unmatched. We thank him and his family for his service.

    Brian Reeder
    President
    Past Chief
    Christiana Fire Company

  • Rest in Peace Sir, you will be dearly missed by all.

  • Judy, Sorry for your loss, I know he will be with you always in your heart. Howard was a great man. He was always there to help others. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • Judy, there are no words…so sorry for your loss.

  • Howard was one of the good guys, very dedicated may he RIP

  • Several weeks ago I spoke with Howard (must have been right before he went into the hospital). We talked awhile then he told me he loved me. Both of us knew what was coming next and it was a beautiful moment in our long friendship. Being a friend to both of them and loving them with my whole heart, my heart cries for the lose. Judy, you know I am with you even if I can’t be right there with you. Expect me when things settle down a bit, I will fly up. My sister Barbara will be told when she comes back (she has taken her family to Disney World). Both of us think the world of both of you. Our love always, Pam and Barbara and Bob.

  • Judy were so sorry for your loss and will see you soon at McDonald’s

  • Judy very sorry about your loss may you feele .the presents ove our lord during your time ove sorrow. IOVE HARRY

  • Dear Judy,
    My heart goes out to you over the loss of Howard. He was such a great guy and will be surely missed. So happy to have a piece of him in my home with his wonderful cabinetry work. It’s a constant reminder of him and we were so grateful to have gotten to know him. Lots of love to you always. Curt and Tracy

  • Judy,

    So sorry to hear about Howard. Keeping you in my thoughts.

    Dale Hudson

  • Judy,

    Our family, and my father Bob Jumper, were so sorry to hear about John’s passing. Our thoughts go out to you and your family at this time.

  • So sorry for the loss of Howard. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.