HB "Mack" McMillan

HB "Mack" McMillan, 101, of Draper, SD, died Sunday, June 4, 2023, at Aurora-Brule Nursing home in White Lake, SD. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 19, 2023 ,at Draper Auditorium in Draper, SD. Burial will be in Draper Cemetery.

Harry Bruce McMillan, known by “Mack” to most everyone was born May 14, 1922, on a farm near Industry, Kansas. He was born to Jesse Brown McMillan and Carrie Blanch (Shry) McMillan. Mack lost his father when he was 12 years old during the Dust Bowl in the 1930’s. He finished the 8th grade in 1936 and went to work in Abilene, KS working at several jobs. In 1940 he finished the CCC Camp and was transferred to the Black Hills in SD. Upon completion of his honorable service, he went on to work on a ranch in California until he was called into the draft. He returned to Salina, KS and helped build an air force. He served at the old Kelly Field, Texas then overseas for two years in the 15th Air Force. He was also a member of Mediterranean Allied Air Force. Mack was a Mess Sergeant and Dietitian attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was discharged in 1946. He was proud of three honorable discharges for his service.

During WWII Mack joined the Air Force and served in North Africa and Italy. When he returned from the service he settled in Abilene, KS and, seeing the need, he began his own taxi service. Mack operated this business until 1949 when he moved to a farm near Draper, SD and where he met his future bride Lula B. “Lu” Christian. They were married on December 22, 1950 in Pierre, SD. During the winter of 1952 their first child, Ed was born and in later years they were blessed with three more children, Colleen, Ken and Kelly.

Mack served 14 years as the Jones County Deputy and Sheriff with his wife Lu as his only deputy. He was also State Board Inspector for 14 years. Mack also ran a contracting business doing electrical and plumbing, After he retired he worked on motors and started planting an orchard and a garden. Mack and Lu never sold one thing out of the orchard and garden. He always gave away the produce to share a good fortune of God giving him good health so he could enjoy his orchard and garden. He also loved to fish and hunt. He worked off and on for Gib, Gene, Curt, and Casey Miller for 50 years. He was a member of United Methodist Church and the South Dakota Sheriff’s Association.

Mack is survived by his son Ed (LaRonda) of Mitchell, SD, Kenny (Sally) of Phoenix, AZ, Kelly (Ronda) of Hayesville, KS and Colleen (Dean) of Moorehead, MN. He was blessed with 9 grandkids and 15 great grand kids.