Norman Emmitt McMillon

Norman Emmitt McMillon Norman E. McMillon, age 83, of the Battle Creek/Marshall area passed away peacefully Thursday, December 2, 2010 surrounded by his loving family. Mr. McMillon was born on February 6, 1927 in Evensville, Tennessee to Isaac Steward and Carrie Pearl (Phillips) McMillon. On April 14, 1952, he married Jennie Murel Lang and shared the next fifty-eight years nurturing their relationship and the family they formed together. Their treasured family includes their daughters, Sheilla G. (Bruce) Matarazzo of Marshall, Pamela A. McMillon of Battle Creek, Peggy S. McMillon of Battle Creek and Dawn P. McMillon of Battle Creek; son, Norman E. McMillon II of Battle Creek; and four grandchildren, Dillon K. McMillon, Morgan P. McMillon, Paige A. McMillon and Kaitlyn N. Matarazzo. Norman was an extremely proud and involved father and grandfather who was especially close to his grandchildren. He took great interest in his grandchildren's lives and activities. He enjoyed watching his grandson's football games and his granddaughters' dance recitals. He was always eager to spend time with his family even if it meant simply chauffeuring the kids around town. His wife and family survive. He is also survived by a brother, W.A. "Dub" (Carolyn) McMillon of Pennfield; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Frances D. McMillon. Norman was a proud American and had served in the United States Army in both World War II and the Korean War. At the time of his honorable discharge, he was serving at the rank of Sergeant. He had been employed as a Master Millwright for the Post Cereal Company in Battle Creek. He retired in 1989, after serving the company for 30 years. During his career, Mr. McMillon served as the Maintenance Top Committee Union Officer for the RWDSU Local 374 and had also been a member of the Carpenters Union. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #12 in Battle Creek. In his retirement, Norman liked to keep busy. He was a natural craftsman and could use his talent to create or fix almost anything. He also enjoyed gardening and landscaping. A favorite hobby of Norman's was collecting pocket knives. Each knife in his collection had a special story or memory that he enjoyed sharing with his family and friends. Norman had an outgoing personality, and seemed to either know or make friends everywhere he went. He is fondly remembered for his warm, engaging smile. Visitation will be at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Marshall on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, December 6, 2010 at the funeral home. Serving as pall bearers will be W.A. "Dub" McMillon, Pamela McMillon, Norman McMillon II, Dillon McMillon, Bruce Matarazzo, and Mike Riddle. Friends who wish may make memorial contributions to Special Olympics Michigan. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home. To leave a personal message and sign the online guest book, please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com.