Kenneth Craig McMillin

Ken was born on March 25, 1932 in St. Louis, Missouri.

He is survived by his loving family, a devoted wife of 47 years, Rhonda E. McMillin, three children, Daniel (Suzanne) McMillin, Michele (Ken) Lewallen, and Trent Wiebe, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his son, Randel McMillin.

Ken spent most of his childhood and teenage years in Long Beach, CA. He was raised by his mother Patti and his grandmother, LuLu. He spoke with admiration of these important ladies of guiding their small family of 3 through the hard times of World War 11

In 1950, Ken served with the U.S. Air Force in the Korean War with an honorable discharge in 1953. He earned the Korean Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star as well as his Wings.

After his return home in Long Beach, CA. Ken worked at different endeavors and then became a new construction painting estimator.

In 1960, he moved his family to Riverside, CA. where he and Dick Saunders formed Saunders & McMillin Painting. Co., Inc.

Over the years the company with the help of many dedicated office and field employees, grew to be one of the So. CA. largest painting companies. Ken was very proud of the business specializing in painting, special coating, wall covering and fire proofing. There were hundreds of new schools, hospitals and many other new construction projects including Riverside’s Mission Inn on its major reconstruction in the early 1990’s. After 52 years, the company closed with Ken’s partner Dick passing four weeks later.

Ken’s hobbies in early life were special cars and dirt motorcycles.

In 1976 Ken married Rhonda Duff. When they weren’t working, he spent his life enjoying family time, extensive cruising, traveling the USA as well as numerous foreign countries. Boating on the “Rhonda-Vu” and the ocean were at the top of his enjoyment list.

At age 50, Ken became a certified scuba diver and truly loved his time scuba diving the warm waters of the world as well at Catalina Island. Ken logged almost 600 dives with mostly camera in hand.

Ken was passionate about his 91 years of life, his family, Saunders & McMillin Inc., his employees, tinkering in his garage and Rhonda, who he called his Bride, his Love, his Life.

Ken will be remembered as a caring family patriarch, wonderful husband, respected business owner, a true gentleman, a friend, and a patriot.

A family private service will be held at Riverside National Cemetery.

A Remembrance Open House will be held Sunday, October 29, 2023 2:00 – 4:00 at the McMillin Residence.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers.