George Millen, aged 83, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2024, at Good Shepherd Care Center in Concordia, MO. George was born in Tacoma, WA, to George Millen Sr. and Mildred Millen on November 10, 1941. Born with R-H factor incompatibility, George almost died within days of being born until doctors gave him an experimental blood transfusion through his ankle with his father's blood, which ultimately saved his life. Unfortunately, the R-H factor incompatibility had already done permanent damage to George's hearing and caused him to have cerebral palsy.

As a child and young man, George fought back against his disabilities and graduated from Clover Park High School in 1961. He then went on to achieve a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Puget Sound in 1965 and a master's degree in Library Science from the University of Washington in 1966. Years later, he earned his second master's degree in history from Central Missouri State University in 1987.

He held library staff positions at Buena Vista College in Iowa, South Dakota State University, and Midwestern College in Denison, Iowa.

His final and longest employment was at the University of Central Missouri, starting in 1970. He began in Reclassification and moved up to Head of Acquisitions. By the time he retired in 2008, he was Assistant Dean of the James C. Kirkpatrick Library. George was a beloved member of the university faculty. At times, he managed an entire staff of female librarians whom he lovingly called his ladies and treated as family. Countless student workers of the library would recount stories of how they enjoyed working for him.

George met and married a fellow librarian and love of his life, Jean Jordan Millen, on June 15, 1968, in Sturgis, SD. Together, they built their life in Warrensburg, Missouri. Their son Roy Millen was born in 1971, and their daughter Elizabeth Millen Giardina in 1973. George was an active community member as a board member at the Sheltered Workshop and a vestry member at Christ Episcopal Church.

George had many personal hobbies, including his love of history and his passion for woodworking. If you belonged to Christ Episcopal Church, you were more than likely the lucky owner of one of George's handmade walnut crosses, which were gifted to confirmands. His beautiful handmade furniture adorned his own home and the homes of his children. His infant grandchildren slept in a cradle he made and played with toys he lovingly crafted.

Those lucky enough to know him knew that he may have had a stern expression, usually due to him trying to hear who was speaking or lip-reading, but he had a heart of gold. As a young man, he would take his family to visit with home-bound seniors, rescue turtles stuck in the middle of the road, or any injured wild animal he came across. Due to his own disabilities and his kind heart, George was a proponent of diversity and inclusion. He took his role as a board member of the Sheltered Workshop seriously and fought for Warrensburg's disabled.

He will be desperately missed by his devoted wife, with whom he shared the last 56 years. Always the romantic, George made sure Jean always had flowers for every occasion, even while he was confined to his hospital bed.

George was immensely proud of his children Roy and Beth and grandchildren Richie, Christian, and Cole. He had no shame in bragging about their accomplishments to anyone who would listen. They will miss his unconditional love, solicited and unsolicited advice, and silly sense of humor.

George will be remembered by family and friends for his fierce determination to overcome his disabilities, exceed expectations, and deliver quality craftsmanship in everything he did.

George is preceded in death by his parents, George and Mildred Millen, sister Janet Godwin, and daughter-in-law Christy Millen. He is survived by his wife, Jean Millen of Warrensburg, MO, children Roy Millen of Warrensburg, MO and Elizabeth Giardina of Cave Creek, AZ, grandchildren Christian and Cole Giardina of Cave Creek, AZ, and Richard Mesar III of Warrensburg, MO, and son-in-law Dennis Giardina of Cave Creek, AZ.

Family, friends, and the community are invited to Christ Episcopal Church, 136 E Gay St, Warrensburg, MO, on Thursday, July 11 at 10:00 am for visitation and service at 11:00 am to reminisce and honor the life of George Millen. He will be laid to rest at Warrensburg Memorial Gardens Cemetery following the service.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Christ Episcopal Church (Warrensburg) and left in the care of Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home.