Paul S. McMillen

Colonel Paul Scott McMillen, 91

Paul Scott McMillen, passed away on November 14, 2024, at 91 years of age.

He was born January 10, 1933 and is the son of the late Harry and Myrtle (Anderson) McMillen of Punxsutawney.

Paul was married to the late Mary Jo (Travis) McMillen for 63 years. Mary Jo passed away in 2020. Paul and Mary Jo were both graduates of Punxsutawney High School, Paul with the Class of 1952. He later graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in History. Paul served in the Air Force for 24 years before retiring and moving back to Punxsutawney in 1981.

Paul and Mary Jo moved often as part of the military life and lived in many places abroad and in the US, including: Texas, South Carolina, Japan, Germany, Virginia and Idaho. During this time, they had four children and travelled all around Europe, Southeast Asia and the US.

In his military career, Paul served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War (1965-66). During this time he flew 252 combat missions as an Air Force pilot.  In Vietnam Paul flew the RF 4C Phantom Jet and on two occasions flew Mach 2 (2x the speed of sound) in this plane. He flew reconnaissance flights in Vietnam, meaning he flew low to the ground at night taking pictures.

For his service as an Air Force pilot, Paul was awarded two important medals: the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Bronze Star. The Flying Cross was awarded to him in person by General Chuck Yeager, who was the first pilot to break the sound barrier.

Later in his military career, Paul served as Base Commander at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho 1975-1978.

In addition to his bachelors degree in history, Paul’s military schooling included: officer and pilot training (Aviation Cadets); graduation from Air Force Officer School; the Air Command College and the Air War College.

After retiring from the Air Force and returning to their hometown, Punxsutawney, Paul was elected as Jefferson County Commissioner for two terms (1988-1996) and then as County Assessor for two terms. He was a committed public servant and used his extensive experience and knowledge from his military service to support local government and institutions in Jefferson County. In addition, Paul was an Elector at the Republican National Convention nominating George W. Bush as Republican candidate for president.

During his years in Jefferson County, Paul was a long-time member of the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) 2076, the American Legion, the Jaffa Shriners and the Republican Party.

Paul was an avid and excellent golfer and long-time member of the Punxsutawney Country Club (for their golf course). He played golf regularly well into his 80s and was fortunate to combine golf and travel, golfing on many courses, including one in Scotland.  A natural athlete, Paul also excelled at many sports in his younger years including: boxing, football, handball, squash, fishing and others. Paul loved to travel and even after retirement, travelled widely to other parts of the world and throughout the US.

Paul is survived by a daughter and three sons: Kerrick McMillen  (Ringgold, PA), Perrie Ann McMillen (Colorado), Tyler McMillen (North Carolina) and Jacen McMillen (Virginia) and his childrens’ spouses: Rick Rohlfs (Perrie) and Michiko McMillen (Jacen). He is also survived by a sister, Lola (McMillen) Mann and a brother, Art McMillen; eleven grandchildren: Ryan Paul McMillen, Reanne Townsend, Travis Townsend, Hanna McMillen, Leah Rohlfs, Jaden McMillen, Annika McMillen,  Lauren (Rohlfs) Brown, Chris Rohlfs, Tyler D’Atley and Patrick Rohlfs.

Paul is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jo (Travis) McMillen and siblings Alice (McMillen) Taylor, Helene (McMillen) Gerow, John McMillen and Alma (McMillen) Gaiser. Also preceding him in death is daughter-in-law Lisa McMillen (Tyler).

Friends will be received from 1 to 2 p.m., on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at the Deeley Funeral Home, Punxsutawney, with a memorial service being held at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hopewell Cemetery Association, 150 Aspen Road, Punxsutawney, PA 15767.

Cards may be sent to, The McMillen Family, 7870 Sprankle Mills Road, Punxsutawney, PA  15767.

Online condolences may be made at www.deeleyfuneralhome.com.