Wallace Duke McMillin

After 101 years of a life extraordinarily well lived, Retired Col. Wallace Duke "Mac" McMillin passed away on Wednesday, November 23, 2022 in Albuquerque, NM. Mac was born in Guthrie, Oklahoma on June 19, 1921 to James Everett McMillin and Bessie Pauline Duke who were both born in the Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory. He enjoyed an idyllic childhood with cherished family gatherings in Seward, OK. The McMillin family home was attached to their general store which served the community for almost 100 years. He attended Guthrie High School where he met his first wife, Gloria Jane Glover, graduating in 1939. They went to college at Oklahoma A&M (now OSU), and after graduation Mac left for flight training.

He was commissioned a second Lieutenant in the US Army and was called to active duty, serving during WWII in the European Theatre. His daughter, Barbara Sue McMillin was born in Guthrie in 1943 before Gloria passed away in childbirth. Col. McMillin flew reconnaissance for the Army Air-Force with the 367th Fighter Group in France until March 1945 when he was shot down behind enemy lines in Germany. Although wounded, he managed to evade the German troops until he was rescued by a patrol of the 11th Armored Division. He received the Purple Heart commendation. During his exemplary career he also earned the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with seven Oak Leaf Clusters, Going Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Distinguished Unit Citation, American Defense Service Medal, European Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation and the United Nations Service Medal.

In 1948, Mac received a BS in Business Administration from OSU. While there he embarked on advanced flight training as preparation for service in the Korean War as a member of the 4th Fighter Wing.

In 1965, When attending a dinner/dance at the Sandia Base Officer's Club he met Vannette "Van" Wherley Sampson. After one dance, Mac was smitten. In 1966, He and Van married, and Mac graciously welcomed Van's children, Stacey Dee and Chris Sampson into their new family and welcomed their daughter, Laura Louise McMillin (Larson). In 1967, Mac was transferred to Europe for a four-year mission which included living in Turkey and Germany. The McMillin Family lived in Europe until April 1971 where Mac was transferred to US Air Force at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas. Col. Wallace "Mac" McMillin retired after 30 years of service from the US Air Force at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, Nevada May 1971.

In 1987, Empty Nester's moved back to Albuquerque, NM where Mac and Van enjoyed the next 35 years which encompassed a lot of world travel, learning golf, bowling, playing couples bridge, and hosting friends and family.

Mac will always be remembered for his infectious smile, joy in life, and spirit. Laura particularly recalls celebrating Van and Mac's 50th Anniversary on a cruise. They took a long walk on the beach and Mac kept pace, carrying his gear although he was 94 years old. Van tells how he was a Dallas Cowboys Fan, loved watching college basketball and enjoyed attending Mountain West basketball tournaments with Rich and Tyler in Las Vegas every March. Family and friends celebrated his 100th birthday where he sang the Air Force Fight Song which he loved.
Wallace McMillin is survived by his wife, Vannette; children, Barbara Sue McMillin Apgar, William David McMillin, and Laura Louise McMillin Larson (Rich); stepchildren, Stacey Dee and Chris Sampson. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Larisa Kennedy (John), Tyler Larson, Richard and James Espinoza, and Jacob and Nicolas Sampson; as well as several great and great-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/.