Robert E. Millett

Robert Earl Millett, 88, of Pekin, formerly of Rock Island, IL passed away at 5:19 AM Friday, November 8, 2013 at Pekin Manor. Bob was born July 28, 1925 in East Moline, IL to Merlin Lyle and Erie Lucille (Hyland) Millett. He graduated from United Township High School in East Moline and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps while still in high school. Bob served in the South Pacific during WWII attaining the rank of Corporal and participated in the Guam, Tinian, Saipan and Okinawa campaigns with the 1st Separate Engineering Battalion attached to the 1st Marine division. One of his duties was a map maker and he made the invasion maps for the 1st Division invasion of Okinawa. Later, his unit built the airstrip on Tinian that the Enola Gay took off from on its way to Hiroshima when they dropped the atomic bomb. Following his service in the Marine Corps he was united in marriage to Laura A. Westlic on September 7, 1946 at Dunkerton, IA. She preceded him in death on June 9, 2003. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University and a Masters degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Bob was the general manager of McCabe's Dry Goods store in downtown Rock Island for 22 years. Bob served as Mayor of Rock Island from 1985 - 1989. Bob was a past Vice President General of the North Central District of the National Society Sons of the American Revolution and past state president of the Iowa Society Sons of the American Revolution. He was a member of the Marine Corps Historical Society, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Sons of the American Revolution, War of 1812 and was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Rock Island. He was also a former member of SCORE, Service Corps of Retired Executives. Bob is survived by two daughters, Suzette (Darrell) Wilkins of Mt. Pleasant, IA and Michele (Christopher) Nelson of Pekin, IL; five granddaughters and three great grandchildren. Besides his wife he was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Merlin L. Millett Jr. and one sister, Nancy (William) Ward of East Moline, IL. A memorial service will be held Friday, November 15 at 1:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Rock Island. The family will meet friends from 12 noon until the time of the service at the church. Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements. Inurnment will be in the Rock Island Arsenal National Cemetery with full Military Honors. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice, Heritage Foundations or the Wounded Warriors or any military organization of the donor's choice. To view Bob's memorial page or to leave his family an online condolence go to www.hendersonfuneralcare.com. Cemetery Rock Island National Cemetery Rock Island,IL 61299 Memorial service Friday, November 15, 2013 1:00 PM First Baptist Church of Rock Island 3020 30th Street Rock Island,IL 61201 Visitation Friday, November 15, 2013 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM First Baptist Church of Rock Island 3020 30th Street Rock Island,IL 61201