Thomas Dean McMillan

Thomas Dean McMillan, 68, of Boonville, passed away on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on October 16, 1956, in Fayette, Missouri, the son of J.A. and Anna Belle (Bradshaw) McMillan.

Following graduation at Fayette High School, Tom proudly served his country in the United Stated Marine Corps. While he worked in many different fields over the years, he found his passion late in life assisting fellow Veterans by working at Harry S. Truman Medical Center. His peers relied on him to deescalated situations. However, when needed, Tom became a very vocal advocate to assist other Veterans through countless calls, emails and incident reports.

He married the love of his life, Doris Bader, on March 5, 2014. Tom was loving and caring, witty and funny, but was as stubborn as they come! Throughout his life, he enjoyed spending time outdoors, home improvement projects and playing with his grandkids and pups. He loved Pepsi and snack cakes to the point of doing a little jig multiple times a day when he indulged.

In July 2024 his world was turned upside down when he had a complicated brain surgery followed by multiple strokes resulting in the loss of the majority of his vision and the use of his left side. He refused to give up and kept fighting to regain what he lost even after transitioning to hospice. A true Marine, his goal was to defy odds by improving so much that he would get kicked out of hospice. He came very close to meeting his goal before getting appendicitis. Hardheaded to the end, he selected to not be admitted to the hospital or risk more strokes with surgery. Instead, he reassured all that loved him that "it's alright, time to let go".

Tom is survived by his wife Doris McMillan of the home; daughter Michelle Richmond (Ron) of Boonville; son Jacob Whitehurse (Amanda) of Minnesota; grandchildren: Sadie Richmond, Wyatt and Jane Whitehurse; best friend Ed Greenslit, and pup Bella. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Thank you to all the medical staff that became family to Tom over this past year from VA, Rusk Rehab and Hospice Compassus. Tom vocalized daily how blessed he was to have so many people to help him. A private family service will be held at a later date to celebrate his life.

Arrangements are under the direction of Howard-Millard Funeral Home, 1397 Ashley Rd., Boonville, Mo 65233 (660) 882-3381. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.howardfh.com.