Everett Lee McMillen

March 13, 1958--Jan. 29, 2011

CAMBRIDGE, Nebraska -- Everett Lee McMillen, 52, died Saturday (Jan. 29, 2011), at the Cambridge Memorial Hospital.

He was born in Leadville, Colorado on March 13, 1958, to William Robert and Margaret (Anderson) McMillen. Everett grew up in Colorado. He graduated from Grand Junction High School in Grand Junction, Colorado.

In December of 1975, Everett joined the U.S. Army. He was a member of the 1st Battalion, 32nd Armored Division. In March 1978, while on a night battle exercises in Germany, he saved the life of the weapons loader by elevating the turret of the tank and the gun tube to free the trapped soldier. Everett was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his actions. He was discharged from active duty in December of 1978.

He enjoyed the mountains, camping, hunting and fishing. Everett was an avid photographer, documenting many of his hunts and travels in his truck.

He was employed by the Wright-McGill Company (Eagle Claw fishing hook). Everett drove a semi-truck delivering freight across the country. He was last employed by Rice Brother Trucking in 2007, when he had stroke in California that paralyzed him.

Everett kept a good out look on life and worked diligently to get better through physical therapy. He lived in the Assisted Living Facility in Cambridge, and could be seen driving his "rascal" scooter around town and to physical therapy.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; aunts; and uncles.

Everett is survived by his mother, Margaret and husband, Glen Cox of Wilsonville, Nebraska; two sisters, Rebecca and husband, Ed Schlottach of Morrison, Colorado, and Gwen and husband, Jeff Sell of Beaver City, Nebraska; three brothers, Bill and wife, Elaine McMillen of Denver, Colorado, Jack Cox of Cambridge, and Robert and wife, Pat Cox of Wilsonville.

Funeral services are Thursday, 10:30 a.m., at Lockenour-Jones Mortuary in Cambridge with Keith Theobald officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date.

Viewing and visitation is today until 7 p.m. and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Friends may leave online condolences at lockenour.com.

Memorials may be left in Everett's name at the mortuary.

Lockenour-Jones Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.