Dr. David Millard passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Jan. 30, 2025. David was born Feb. 9, 1928, in Three Rivers, Mich., the son of Carl E. Millard and Bernice (Allen) Millard.
David graduated from Three Rivers High School (1945) and obtained his undergraduate and Medical (1953) degrees from the University of Michigan.
David married Margaret Bowker in 1950. David and Margaret shared 14 years of friendship, followed by 63 years of a loving marriage prior to her passing in 2013. David met Margaret in sixth grade while playing croquet at a Ladies Aid picnic.
In 1955, he was drafted into the Navy and was assigned as the only medical physician on the USS Magoffin APA 199. He was responsible for the health and well-being of the 600 crew members, the Marines, and other passengers.
Upon completing his active military service, David and Margaret settled in the community of Paw Paw. David served the community of Paw Paw in Family Practice and as a medical examiner for more than 40 years. He was also on the board of Lake View Community Hospital and a member of the Michigan State and Van Buren County Medical Societies. During his semi-retirement years, he was medical director of Hospice for Van Buren and Cass counties.
David and Margaret raised four children, Nancy, Carol, Vicki and Bill. They actively supported their children’s various school, scouting and Van Buren Folk Dancers adventures.
The family enjoyed traveling the United States in their RV. Once the children were grown, David and Margaret added international travel to their RV excursions. Several trips included researching their genealogy and heritage.
David and his family were members of the United Methodist Church, Paw Paw. David served on the administrative council, finance committee and was chairman of the Endowment Committee for many years.
Work, faith and family were the cornerstones of David’s life.
David is survived by his four children, Nancy (Brian) Huntsman, Carol (Darrell) Roose, Vicki (James) McElheny, William (Susie) Millard; his eight grandchildren, Kelli and Joshua Huntsman, Michelle Ryan, Kevin Roose, Kirk McElheny, Teri Fanizza, David and Nathaniel Millard; and his five great-grandchildren, Chase and Hailey McElheny, Sutton and Benjamin Fanizza and Lincoln Roose.
David will be laid to rest privately at Riverside Cemetery, Three Rivers. There will be a memorial service announced in the summer at the United Methodist Church, Paw Paw.
