Jack David Millan

Jack David Millan, 71, of Farmer City, IL and Bluffton, SC passed away on Friday, June 28, 2024 surrounded by family at his home in South Carolina.

Jack was born to the late Manuel Millan and Elfrieda Sichterman Millan in Gary Indiana on April 6, 1953. Jack graduated from Lew Wallace High School in 1971. He began his lifelong career with McDonald’s as a crew person in Gary, Indiana where he met his future bride, Gail Goodyear.

Jack is a true example of an American success story who came from humble beginnings and through hard work, perseverance, and dedication was able to live his dream and build a legacy for generations to come. He worked as a McDonald’s store manager until he had the opportunity to become an owner/operator of a McDonald’s restaurant. He started with one restaurant and eventually grew his company to fifteen restaurants when he retired. During his McDonald’s career, he was recognized with several prestigious awards including the LEO Award for a Leading Edge Operator, the Coach of the Year Award, the Ronald Award, the Press On Award, and a Divisional Marketing Award. He was most proud to receive the Fred L. Turner – Golden Arch Award which is awarded to the top one percent of operators worldwide, every other year for overall outstanding operations, people practices, and community service.

One of Jack’s greatest pleasures was to give back to others. He touched many lives through the years as a husband, dad, grandpa, uncle, friend, mentor, coach, and leader. He created and gave opportunities to his staff, supported many charities within the communities he worked, and shared his success with many family and friends. Jack also dedicated eight years of service on the Board of Directors for the Ronald McDonald House of Central Illinois. In his free time, he enjoyed golfing, wine, and spending time with family and friends. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church.

Jack is survived by his bride of over fifty years, Gail Millan of Farmer City, IL and Bluffton, SC; four daughters, Nicole Petro (Joe Banfield) of Mahomet, IL, Natalie Winstead (Moe) of Farmer City, IL, Amanda Melton (Scott) of Okatie, SC, and Jessica Lueking (Brent) of Riverton, IL; one son-in-law and business partner, Mikel Petro of Mahomet, IL; one brother, Jeff Millan of Knox, Indiana; one aunt, Hilda Connor; ten grandchildren, Mikel Jr, Logan, Kendyl, and Averie Petro, David and Kyle Watkins, Braden, Abbie, Sophie and Jaylie Lueking; several nephews, nieces, and cousins; and his wonderful pup Briley.

He is preceded in death by two sisters, Jean Ranfranz and Juanita Jones; one brother, Jim Millan; one sister-in-law, Eileen Millan; two granddaughters, Autumn Heath and Callie Lueking; and his parents.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 3 PM to 7 PM at the Miller Park Pavilion in Bloomington, Illinois.

Memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois, 610 N. 7th St, Springfield, IL 62702.