Colonel Frank E. Millner, Usmc

Colonel Frank E. Millner, USMC, age 74 years, of Delaware Township, Flemington, NJ, died on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at the Chwat Family homestead.

He was a graduate of Chatman College, CA, and received his Masters in Education from Pepperdine University.

He was a career officer in the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1958 until retiring in 1988. At the time of his retirement he was the Commanding Officer at MATSG, Pensacola, FL. He was formerly a Presidential Helicopter Pilot, and at various times had flown Presidents Lyndon Johnson, Jimmy Carter, and Dwight Eisenhower after his retirement. He worked in the White House for President Ronald Reagan, who promoted him to the rank of Colonel which he held until retirement. Colonel Millner served two tours in Vietnam, flying over 600 missions there.

Upon retiring from the Marine Corps in 1988, Colonel Millner and his wife traveled extensively all over the world. An exceptional tennis player, he loved the game and continued to play at every opportunity until illness finally sidelined him. An avid and skilled poker player, he was know for his willingness to "deal 'em" at a moment's notice.

An outstanding Marine aviator, Colonel Millner's effective style of leadership fostered teamwork, independent action, and initiative and he was renown for building confidence in his subordinates by letting them work on difficult tasks with minimal, yet firm, supervision. A gifted mentor, he was a role model and an inspiration to many and will be fondly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.

He and his surviving wife of thirty-five years, Sonia Chwat Millner, were residents of Delray Beach, FL, and also spent spring and summer in Delaware Township, NJ. Surviving, in addition to his wife, are a son, Greg Millner of Boynton Beach, FL; two daughters, Sharon Reid of Lake Placid, FL, and Barbara Gellner of Delray Beach, FL; and a granddaughter, Brittany Reid.

Calling hours will be held Monday, January 4, 2009 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. There will be a special Marine Corps League service at 8:00 p.m. Please visit www.holcombefisher.com for further information or to send condolences.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Colonel Frank E. Millner Memorial Scholarship Fund, which will provide educational scholarships to dependents of enlisted Marines of the Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1). Checks can be made out to "MCAA" with the annotation "Millner Scholarship Fund" in the memo field and mailed to: Marine Corps Aviation Association, 715 Broadway Street, PO Box 296, Quantico, VA 22134.