Submitted by his wife
Roger Glen McMillin was 44 years old. He was the mill foreman at the local feed mill. Roger was a very dedicated worker and was always ready to lend a helping hand. Two men lost their lives in a tragic accident at the feed mill. A mill worker was cleaning an empty molasses tank when he went down. Roger attempted to rescue the mill worker in the molasses tank. They were both overcome by hydrogen sulfide gas. Roger departed this life in the line of duty‚ on September 10‚ 2002.
In 1985‚ Roger became a member of the Martin Volunteer Fire Department. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1986 and was named Fire Fighter of the Year in 1987 and in 1989. In 1987 Roger received the Volunteerism Award from the State of South Dakota by Governor‚ George Michelson. On September 14‚ 2002‚ South Dakota State Fire Marshall‚ Daniel Carlson presented the Executive Proclamation for Governor‚ William J. Janklow to the Roger McMillin Family. He held many offices and in the last several years he was either Chief or Assistant Chief. Roger started and implemented the Fire Explorers in which his sons Nathan and Monty are very active.
He took great pride and devotion in the Fire Department and Fire Explorer Program. He always encouraged everyone to get a lot of training and experience so everything would go as smooth and safe as possible. At the time of his death he held the position of Assistant Chief of the Martin Volunteer Fire Department.
Roger was an EMT on the Bennett County Ambulance Crew for 11 years. In 2002 Roger received the EMT Dedication Award for his dedication and service to the Bennett County Ambulance. He became an EMT when our youngest daughter Grace had open-heart surgery. Roger was determined to help her get well.
When he wasn’t working‚ helping at the fire hall or running the ambulance‚ he loved to take his family hunting or fishing. He enjoyed playing cards and bowling with his friends. Roger was gone from home a lot but always made time for his family when he got home. He always gave everyone a hard time. Especially our daughter Monica because she is so quiet. He loved to tease and joke around. There was never a dull moment when Roger was around.
Roger was proceeded in death by his father‚ Willard Jr. and his grandparents. Earl and Grace McMillin‚ Walter and May Tech. Grateful for having shared his life is his wife‚ Cindy and children Nathan‚ Monty‚ Monica and Grace. His mother‚ Dorothy McMillin; two brothers David and Dale; two sisters Patti and Roxanna and many other relatives and friends. He is missed by all that knew him. We will never forget our beloved husband‚ father‚ son‚ brother‚ friend‚ and hero.
Roger was a great friend, a fantastic fireman, and a truly great employee for us. Miss him so much. I think of him often and his family. ❤️
– Barb Hagman