Vernon Eugene McMillan

Vernon Eugene McMillan, 61, died suddenly at his home on Chena Hot Springs Road on May 5, 2008.
Born the last of eight children in Great Wells, Texas, his father moved the family to Fairbanks when Vernon was 7, after his mother died.
Vernon graduated from Lathrop High School, where he met his future wife Gwen Pilcher. They were married for 41 years. He was employed by the Alaska Railroad Corp. prior to going to work at Lynden Transport, Inc., where he retired after 35 years. Vernon traded in his tractor trailer for a 16 hp garden tractor, and spent the springs in the garden where he enjoyed watching his corn and potatoes grow.
He was happiest in the hills north of Fairbanks where he spent his spare time hunting and mining. He was passionate about fishing, always looking for the big one. Vernon was known for his integrity, generosity, love of his family, and his sense of humor where he attached a nickname to almost everyone.
Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Rose; brothers, Dan and W.E.; and his sister, Delores.
He is survived by his wife, Gwen; son and daughter-in-law, Sandy and Emma McMillan; daughter, Kimberly McMillan; granddaughters, Darby and Molly; brothers, Tom Whitmire, Carl McMillan and Fred McMillan; sister, Beverly Thayson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
There will be a celebration of life from 2-5 p.m., Saturday, May 31, at The Taste of Alaska Lodge.
Memorial donations will go to his granddaughter’s college fund. For information please call 488-6133.
Arrangements were by Fairbanks Funeral Home and Crematory.