Jack McMillion, 96, of Fort Morgan, passed away on August 28, 2010 at the Washington County Nursing Home.
Jack McMillion was born July 18, 1914 in St. Joseph, MO to Walter and Anna Pearl McMillion. He was their second of three sons, Jim his elder of 5 years and Marian his younger of 4 years. At age 6, the family moved to a farm at Harrisburg CO, just south of Akron. There the family farmed, ranched, raised crops, and bred horses for riding, work, and rodeo. The family endured the depression and drought. Jack and his brothers worked carrying rural mail and delivering milk to the community to make ends meet. Jack grew up a cowboy and earned himself quite a reputation at local rodeos. Saddle Broncs were his specialty. The Denver National Western Stock Show and Cheyenne Frontier Days were his biggest rodeos. He rode a bull named Powder Face, and even rode a mule at our Eastern Colorado Round Up, the Lowry brothers said couldn't be rode. Jack did, then tipped his hat and bowed to the roar of the crowd.
November 6, 1939 Jack enlisted in the Colorado National Guard Infantry and trained at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, he later deployed as a combat infantry soldier to Salerno, Italy where he served as platoon Sergeant for the 157th Division "L" company. Serving from July 10th, 1940 - Aug 17th, 1944. He fought in the Sicilian and African campaigns, was slightly injured twice, But on May 23, 1944 in Anzio, Italy he lost his leg due to a mortar or enemy fire, while carrying wounded comrades from a mine field, under heavy fire. This ended the war for Jack, although he felt he wanted to stay and fight. His heroism earned him the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Silver Star. While Jack was home on Furlough, two days before the election, friends began a campaign to elect him to the Colorado State Legislature as a write in candidate. He won, making him the only write in candidate ever elected and served 2 terms.
On April 21, 1946 Jack married Jeanne Darc DuCharme at Saint Josephs Catholic Church in Akron. Together they raised 5 children: Betty, Carol, John, Patrick, and Robert. Jack was truly a "Jack" of all trades in that he worked as a car salesman, rural mail carrier, Farm Bureau insurance salesmen, owned The Variety Theatre, coin operated laundry mats, and G & H Hog Farm, had real estate ventures with Dale and Wayne Dunker, And helped Robert and Marc at their greenhouses. Jack lost his wife, Jeanne Darc after 51 years of marriage, in May 1997. Jack was always attentive and dedicated to the needs of his wife and family.
October 1998, Jack married Verda Mae Ladd at Fort Morgan Colorado.
We will all be forever in his debt for the work, support and sacrifice that he gave.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Anna Pearl, Brother Jim, and Nephew Larry McMillion. He is survived by his and wife, Verda Ladd of Fort Morgan, five children and their families, brother Marian, of California, nine grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, three nieces & one nephew.
A Vigil Service was held August 30, 2010 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Akron. Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, August 31, 2010 also at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Interment followed at Akron Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Washington County Nursing Home. Brenner Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.