[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 49 (Friday, April 26, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E648]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 PAYING TRIBUTE TO CARL EDWIN McMILLEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 25, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a solemn heart that I take this 
opportunity to pay tribute to the life and memory of Carl Edwin 
McMillen who recently passed away in Montrose, Colorado. Carl was a 
valued member of the Montrose community and he will be deeply missed by 
those whose lives he touched. Carl's memory will continue to live on 
through his devoted wife, children, grandchildren, and friends and as 
they mourn his loss, I think it is appropriate that we remember Carl 
for his many contributions throughout his life.
  Born, adopted and raised in Kansas, Carl graduated from high school 
in Winona, Kansas and went on to attend college in the city of 
McPherson. There he met his wife of sixty years, Betty and together 
they raised five children, later in life enjoying thirteen 
grandchildren and two great-grand children. As an orphan, Carl always 
took great pride and joy in his large and ever growing family and was 
known throughout the community as a kind and caring patriarch.
  Carl served this country in WWII as a surgical technician in the 
United States Army Medical Corps. For his service to this Nation, he 
was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and 
the American Theater Medal. In 1964, Carl and his family moved to 
Colorado eventually ending up in Montrose. Carl served the people of 
his community for over twenty years at Montrose Memorial Hospital and 
after his retirement, continued to volunteer his time and experience to 
the hospital as a medical records clerk and van driver. A devoted 
Christian and member of the Montrose Christian Church, Carl felt 
strongly that anyone who wanted to attend church should have the chance 
to do so. As a result, he was frequently seen on Sundays driving 
hospital patients to and from services. In addition to his church 
service, he remained occupied with gardening, singing, the Lions Club, 
the Chipeta Chapter of the Colorado Archaeological Society, and the 
Moore Demoret 17 Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans. -
  Mr. Speaker, after a long and full life, Carl passed away at the age 
of 81 of cancer. Carl had courageously faced the disease that would 
attack his body but never could touch his gentle spirit. Those who 
survive him must certainly feel lucky to have enjoyed him in their 
lives. It is a great honor to bring the life and compassion of Carl 
Edwin McMillen to the attention of this body of Congress and this 
nation. He was a gracious man and will be dearly missed.

                          ____________________