Thomas C. Millen

Thomas “Tom” Charles Millen died October 18th at the Bloomington Hospice House after a six year struggle valiantly fighting neuroendocrine cancer. He was 67 years old. Tom was born on June 20, 1958, in Greensburg, PA. Just 10 days later, he moved with his family to Bloomington, IN, where he spent most of his life. He graduated from Bloomington High School South in 1977. During his high school years, he was on the football team and wrestling team. As an extracurricular activity he was a member of the Civil Air Patrol where he made the rank of captain. In pursuit of a lifelong interest in space and aeronautics, Tom received his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Arkansas and his master’s degree in Space Studies from American Military University. One of his most celebrated achievements was the acceptance, and presentation, of a paper on plasma propulsion at the IEPC (International Electric Propulsion Conference) in Kobe, Japan. Tom was a valued member of the Maritime Targeting & Unmanned Systems Branch for more than 15 years. In his time at Crane, he served as a project engineer for laser targeting and gun weapon systems platforms. He was involved in numerous engineering, shipboard, and training efforts – including serving as the Branch Laser Safety Officer. He has traveled to multiple areas of the globe for direct engineering and fleet support efforts for Maritime systems. His contributions and dedication to serving our United States Navy have provided a direct and immediate impact on the Electro-Optics Technology Division’s support of the nation’s warfighters and was in keeping with the highest standards and traditions of the United States Naval Service. Tom was devoted to helping others, as demonstrated by over 30 years of work with Search and Rescue, where he served as Director of Education for the National Association of Search and Rescue. Later, he held leadership positions in INSAR (Indiana Search and Rescue). He developed certification programs and training for rescuers. Tom taught FUNSAR (Fundamentals of Search and Rescue) courses offered through Indiana University for more than 25 years. There are many people alive today because of his knowledge, experience, and willingness to share. He also received the Distinguished Hoosier Award for his work in Search and Rescue in Indiana. He also served in the Indiana Guard Reserve, retiring at the rank of Captain in March 2022. Tom is remembered for his kind heart and love of animals, particularly cats of all shapes and sizes. Tom was loyal to family and friends. He attended Millen family reunions in PA with his siblings where he connected with aunts, uncles, and cousins, and he was a regular attendee of U.S.S. Turner Joy reunions with his brother David, who served on the Turner Joy during the Vietnam War. When visiting his dear friend, Anne Dickison, in Peoria he attended St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, which Tom considered his church. In addition to cheering on his Arkansas Razorbacks and Indiana Hoosier football teams, he bled Black and Gold as a super Pittsburgh Steeler fan. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Thecla Millen, his brother, Stephen Millen, and brother-in-law, Steven Smail. Surviving are his siblings, David Millen, Marian (Bob) Lankston, and Esther Millen Smail, nephews Robb (Caitlin) Lankston and Evan (Ally) Smail, his dear friend, Anne Dickison, dear friends Mike and Barb Gilmore, and his beloved cat, Delilah. He leaves behind many other beloved friends, co-workers, and was loved and respected by so many. Fair Winds and Following Seas. Funeral Service will be Friday, November 7 at 3:00 pm at Allen Funeral Home in Bloomington, IN. For out-of-town friends and family, the service will be offered on Zoom. The link is at the end of this post. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice House in Bloomington, IN; the Monroe County Humane Association in Bloomington, IN; or the Exotic Feline Rescue Center in Centerpoint, IN. The family greatly appreciates the care and support from the doctors and nursing staff at the Bloomington Hospital and Hospice House. Zoom https://us06web.zoom.us/launch/edl?muid=f2b8d91d-c759-4d1f-bb64-531cc6279c92 Meeting ID: 815 1837 6466 Passcode: 697680

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Thomas C. Millen

June 20, 1958 - October 18, 2025