Louis Burchard Millen, Jr.

Louis Burchard Millen, Jr., age 82, of Drew, Mississippi, peacefully passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. Francis Hospital in Bartlett, Tennessee.

Born on July 2, 1943, in Stamford, Connecticut, to Louis Burchard Millen, Sr., and Gladys Gandy Millen, Louis was raised in Drew, Mississippi. He attended Drew Schools and graduated from The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey before pursuing higher education at Delta State University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree. It was at Delta State that he met his beloved wife, Jean Millican. They were married in 1967 in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana.

Louis dedicated his early career to teaching mathematics in Mandeville, Louisiana, and later moved to Marin County, California, after enlisting into the United States Army. He served with honor in California and Germany during the Cold War and Vietnam War era. After his military service, Louis returned to Drew in 1972 to work alongside his father on the family farm, where he spent many cherished years alongside friends and neighbors. He then worked at Autozone as a manager in Clarksdale for over 30 years, retiring in 2024. 

A man of great intellect and curiosity, Louis had a passion for the outdoors, enjoying fishing and sailing. He was gifted in physics and mathematics and found joy in working with his hands—tinkering with farm mechanics and engineering improvements. His appreciation for knowledge extended to reading classical literature and listening to a wide range of music, from classical compositions to the Grateful Dead. A faithful member of the Drew Methodist Church, Louis’s spirituality was an important part of his life.

Above all, Louis treasured time with his family, finding immense joy in the company of his children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Bonnie Millen MacMahon; and his beloved wife, Jean Millican Millen. He is lovingly remembered by his children: Judson Millen of Memphis, Tennessee; Marin Millen and fiancée Ryan Nordstrom of San Diego, California; Blair Millen and husband Stephen Carter of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Michael Bishop and wife Laura Kimura of Portland, Oregon. He also leaves behind four grandchildren—Layton Hay, Althea Hay, Morgan Bishop, and Megan Bishop—who will cherish his memory. He also leaves behind his cherished blue heeler, Sissy.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during the visitation from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Cleveland Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 3:00 PM in the Cleveland Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Reverend Sarah Miller.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Delta State University Alumni Foundation, Box 3141 DSU, Cleveland, MS 38733, or the American Legion Post 165, Cleveland, MS 38732.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Cleveland Funeral Home for their compassionate service during this difficult time.