John Louis Millar

On Monday, July 1, 2025, John Louis Millar embarked on his next journey. John was the devoted husband of 57 years to Patricia Millar, his college sweetheart and lifelong travel companion. He is survived by his sons, John D (Becky) of Cincinnati, OH, and Michael (Melanie) of Chicago, IL, and was a doting Papa to Isabelle, Jack, Nicki, Noah, and Ginny. John is also survived by his brothers, Jim (Mary Ellen) and Ricky, as well as many close and extended family members and beloved friends who were as close as family. He is preceded in death by his sister, Mary Millar, nephew, Christopher Samson, and niece, Carly McHenry.

John graduated from Wheeling Jesuit College and subsequently received a law degree from the University of West Virginia.

A Vietnam veteran, he was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds suffered during the battle of Landing Zone East on June 11, 1969.

He grew up in West Virginia, where he eventually started his family before moving to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where he ushered for many years at St. Leo’s Catholic church. In their golden years, John and Patricia relocated to Cincinnati to be closer to family.

John’s professional career included ten years with the State of West Virginia’s Revenue Department as a judge and twenty-two years with RJR Tobacco, where he rose to the position of Senior Director of Tax and Custom Regulations. His work took him to all fifty states and five continents.

John was a lifelong scouter, becoming one of the first Eagle Scouts of Troop 2 in Charleston, West Virginia. Years later, he answered the call of John Swint to become the Scout Master of Troop 2 for fourteen years. He continued his involvement with Scouting in Winston-Salem and Cincinnati, holding positions such as Council Executive Chairman and, most recently, leading the Dan Beard Council Merit Badge Committee. His many scouting awards include the Silver Beaver Award.

Never one to sit still, John was an avid gardener, fisherman, woodworker, needle pointer, and gambler. Music was a driving force in his life, and he loved to play and teach piano.

John loved to travel and considered everyone he met a friend. He traveled to over seventy-nine countries and six continents, with Antarctica remaining on his to-do list. At the core of his heart was his love for everyone. He viewed everyone as an equal and believed that helping people made him a better person.

A visitation will be held at Vorhis & Ryan Funeral Home, 11365 Springfield Pk., Springdale, Ohio 45246 on Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 48 W Sharon Rd., Glendale, Ohio 45246 on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM.