Ronald F. "Rum" Millward

1936 - 2025

Ronald "Rum" F. Millward

January 23, 1936 - December 29, 2025

Runville, Pennsylvania - Ronald "Rum" F. Millward, 89, of Runville, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, December 29, 2025. Born on January 23, 1936, in Pleasant Gap, he was the son of the late Gerald C. and Beatrice (Tierney) Millward. On December 1, 1956, he married his beloved wife, E. Delores Millward, who preceded him in death on June 7, 1996, after sharing nearly 40 years of marriage together.

Rum attended school in Bellefonte.

Ronald F. Millward enlisted in the USMC on 1 April 1953, at age 17, and remained in the Marines until 31 March 1956 where he attained the rank of Corporal. Ron served in the Korean War for one year and three days of active service. He retained inactive service for 5 years beyond his marine corps enlistment.

Several years after leaving active duty in the Marine Corps on 1 February 1964, Ron enlisted in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, 28th Infantry Division - Bellefonte where he served more than three decades in an infantry company. He was an Infantryman and Medical Specialist. He separated on 15 September 1989 and finished his reserve military obligation on 31 January 1993 and retired as SFC/PFG E7 Platoon Sergeant with over 33 years of military service.

Throughout his military career, he earned the following: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Marine Corp Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (w/ 4 OLC), National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (w/ 1 DEV), NCO Professional Development Ribbon (4), Army Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Pennsylvania Service Medal 9w/ 2 Silver Stars), PA 20-Year Service Medal, T. R. White Medal, TJ Stewart Medal, and PA Recruiting Badge.

Upon returning home, he worked for the USPS as a mail carrier from 1966 until his retirement in 1996.

He is survived by three children, Ronnie L. Millward (Kim) of State College, Patricia Millward (Dawayne) of Julian, and Steven C. Millward (Lori) of Julian; nine grandchildren: Hunter, McKenzie (Jake), Ty, Trey, Gary, Cody, Alivia (Tristan), Gabe, and Jackson; and three great-grandchildren, Carson, JJ, and Millie. Also surviving is a sister, Donna L. Baney; and daughter-in-law, Bobbie Millward.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by two sons, Michael R. Millward and Sgt. Robert G. Millward. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Deanna Quick Millward.

Rum was a member of the American Legion Post #893 in Milesburg where he was a post commander. Additionally, he was a past president of the BEA Wrestling Club and BEA Booster Club, and a Hall of Fame inductee of both clubs. He was an avid sports fan, and enjoyed hunting, gardening, and wrestling. He actively supported his children through their sporting events, coaching the boys from little league through legion ball, as well as pee wee and midget football.

A public viewing will be held on Friday, January 2, 2025, from 6 to 8 pm, at Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc., 206 N. Spring Street, Bellefonte. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2025, at 10 am, at the funeral home, with Father Matthew Laffey officiating. Burial services with full military honors will immediately follow in Centre County Memorial Park in State College.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ronald to the LHUF Wrestling Millward Memorial by going to https://lhufoundation.org/donate-lhu and noting "Mike 'Mouse' Millward Memorial Scholarship."

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com