Russell Ladon Mcmillian

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A Homegoing Service celebrating the life of Lance Corporal Russell Ladon McMillian, age 50, of Newark, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 19, at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 383 Washington Street in Newark with Rev. Michael A. Noble officiating. Burial will take place in Cedar Hill Cemetery where military honors will be observed by the Licking County Veterans Alliance.

Friends may call from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, November 18, at Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home, 179 Granville Street, Newark.

Russell passed away suddenly on Sunday, November 7, 2021. He was born to Minister Johnnie Mae McMillian on August 20, 1971, in Newark, Ohio.

Russell, affectionally known as “Mac”, gave his life to the Lord at a very young age. He was very active at the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a member of the Children’s Band, Jr. Usher Board, and Young Davids. As Russell grew toward his teen years, he was a member of the Newark High School Marching Band where he played the tuba and trombone. He graduated from Newark High School in 1991. With great enthusiasm, he joined the United States Marines Corps. Upon his return from the United States Marines Corps, he was employed at Boeing, Heath, Ohio for more than 20 years. He continued his spiritual journey by volunteering at his home church, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Trail Life – Boys Mentoring Program, Security Team, and Nurses Ministry. During his return he was involved in numerous programs within the City of Newark including the Girls Softball Team, Big Brother/Big Sister and many more. His local military efforts were utilized at the American Legion Post 85. He also enjoyed golfing and hunting and visiting Las Vegas.

Russell has left a remarkable, memorable passion for people. He met his mission which was to make people happy. When he saw a need, it was not an issue for him to give gifts and fulfill wishes. He would call when he embarked upon a sale, which truly were great sales. Anyone who knew Russell knew that he was a fanatic of the University of Alabama (Roll Tide) and the Pittsburgh Steelers football teams.

Russell is preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Mattie Lou McMillian, and grandfather, Norman McMillian; paternal grandmother, Alberta Burke, and paternal grandfather, Daniel Burke; nephew, Jeremiah Shellow; aunt, Peggy Johnson; and cousin, John Johnson.

Russell enjoyed time with his family who will cherish his memories and will try to carry his legacy forward: daughter, Destiny Annette McMillian and her mother Tricia Harden; mother, Minister Johnnie Mae McMillian; sisters, Terra McMillian (Anthony) and Faith Burke (Mark); brothers, Quentin Burke and Corey Burke (Janaya); special cousin, Nicholas Carter; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins; God Parents, Deacon Jay and Beverly Finklea and sons; and special friend, Jim McElwee.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of the funeral home. Please click on “Donate Funeral Funds” to the left of the obituary or click on “More” above the obituary if using a cell phone.

Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for Russell and the McMillian family.