April 21, 1925 – January 17, 2019
Phillip Warren “Warnie” Millikan, 93, Sheridan, passed away Thursday morning, January 17, 2019 at Wellbrooke of Westfield. Born April 21, 1925 in Sheridan, he was the son of the late Lacy and Pearl (Thornton) Millikan. Warren attended Sheridan High School and would proudly serve his country as a soldier in the U.S. Army during WW II.
Warren seemed to have a natural ability for figuring out how things worked. From a very young age, he would often be found taking things apart and putting them back together. As the years went on, the size and complexity of his fix-it projects increased until it became his career. From 1960 to 1987 Warren owned and operated Millikan Service Station. A workaholic through and through, to Warren, work was more like a hobby. A very gifted mechanic, he enjoyed working with his hands but loved helping his friends and neighbors even more.
Warren loved the Sheridan community very much and loved helping take care of its residents. After retiring from the service station, he continued to work on cars out of his garage at home, continuing to take care of his regulars and his neighbors whom had relied on Warren for decades. Keeping Sheridan running was not the only way he took care of his community. For over 50 years Warren was a firefighter with the Sheridan Volunteer Fire Department, serving as Fire Chief for 25 of those years. Retirement afforded Warren the time to devote to one special activity that he held very dear to his heart: He became a substitute bus driver for Sheridan schools. Through many years, various name changes for the school system and multiple team and staff rosters, there were two constants when it came to Sheridan football: Larry “Bud” Wright was your coach, and Warnie would be driving you to the game. For over 20 years Warren faithfully drove the Blackhawks all over the state of Indiana.
Warren was a member of the Sheridan Lions Club for over 35 years and a member of the Sheridan American Legion, K.V. Elliott Post 67.
When he had a little time to himself, Warren enjoyed watching Jeopardy! and Survivor. He also loved following NASCAR; Kurt Busch was by far his favorite driver. Warren did a little racing himself. In the early ‘50s, Warren raced stock cars; his car of choice was his 1940 Ford Coupe.
Family was also a very important part of Warren’s life. On August 14, 1948, Warren married the love of his life, Bonnie Jean (Hill) Millikan. He truly cherished the years the he and Bonnie worked the family farm. Bonnie also kept the books for the service station. She passed away on April 9, 2008.
Warren is survived by his two sons, Kenneth W. Millikan (Julia) and Lacy E. Millikan (Penny), both of Sheridan; his daughter, Julie A. Stowers (David), Sheridan; six grandchildren, Melissa (Tim), Marta (Eddie), Monica, Matthew (Nikki), Zachary (Becky) and Lindsay (Chad); 15 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bonnie; two brothers, James and Jack Millikan; and his half-sister, Gladys Pearl Dell.
Services with Military Honors will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 24, 2019 at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan. Burial will follow at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan. Pastor Russell Wilson will be officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at Kercheval Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to either the Sheridan Fire Department or the Sheridan Lions Club.
Arrangements
Calling: 4 to 8 p.m., Jan. 23
Service: 11 a.m., Jan. 24
Location: Kercheval Funeral Home
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com