Longtime West Holmes Science Teacher and Community Leader Dies at 82

Thomas “Mac” Porter McMillen Jr. of Shreve died peacefully at home on December 12, 2025. Born September 29, 1943, in Wooster, he graduated from Big Prairie Lakeville High School in 1961 and held degrees from Ashland College and the University of Northern Iowa after completing a summer institute grant at Duke University. He was 82.

McMillen spent 30 years in education, including 25 years teaching chemistry and physics at West Holmes High School where he won the Acker Outstanding Teaching Award. He led the school science club to state and national science fairs and inspired generations of students with his enthusiasm for discovery and encouragement. Outside the classroom he was active in 4 H and refereed basketball, creating informal mentorship and safe spaces for young people across the county.

His activities extended beyond education into local business and civic life. He owned Sunny Slopes General Store and opened the teen dance center The Barracks. In retirement he founded McMillen Tours and personally escorted more than 400 motor coach trips to sporting events, live performances, and historic sites, contributing to the local economy through small business entrepreneurship and tourism.

Family was central to McMillen. He married his high school sweetheart Shirley in 1963 and is survived by his wife Shirley, daughters Christine Geiser, Melissa McMillen, Beth Starr, and Catherine McMillen, eight grandchildren, and one great grandson. He was preceded in death by his brother Jeffrey and his parents Thomas and Melba McMillen. Calling hours were held December 18 at Ripley Church of Christ at 12298 CR 330 in Big Prairie. The funeral service took place December 19 at Hopewell Presbyterian Church at 6900 SR 754 in Shreve with burial following. The family was assisted by Alexander Funeral Home and an online obituary and guestbook are available at alexanderfhinc.com and legacy.com.

McMillen asked that flowers be sent to Ripley Church of Christ and that memorial contributions be directed to Ohio Hospice, Hopewell Presbyterian Church, or Ripley Church of Christ. In a rural county facing the challenges of aging populations and limited health resources, gifts to Ohio Hospice help sustain critical end of life services that many families rely on. His life illustrates how educators and local entrepreneurs contribute to community cohesion, youth opportunity, and the informal care networks residents depend on in Holmes County.