Paul L. Milliron ‘47 was born in Shelby on July 27, 1929 to Ronald (Robin) and Lois Milliron. He was a brother to Charles ‘45 and Harry ‘48. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army and served at Ft. Campbell in Kentucky. When his enlistment was finished, he returned to Shelby where he married Jeanne Heckman. They were parents to 5 children, Ron ‘71, Vella ‘72, Kip ‘74 and Durk and Bret, both members of the class of ‘76. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather to 16 and great-grandfather to 14.
Paul spent his working career at Columbia Gas Company but simultaneously carried on a second career – one centered on giving back to the community he so loved. For many years, he was a Cub Scout pack leader and a Boy Scout troop leader. For several years, he performed both roles simultaneously, and even after his four sons had grown too old for scouting, Paul kept volunteering as a scout leader.
His single biggest contribution to Shelby, though, was leading the formation of the Girls
Softball Association in 1968. That achievement has benefited many girls, including his only daughter. In the earliest years, girls played without uniforms on a neglected West Park field. That soon changed, with the girls sporting uniforms, and the fields in remarkable condition. Paul’s efforts enabled many Shelby girls to play on their own field of dreams. The longevity of the league and the new fields at Dowds School offer testimony to the efforts of Paul and those who helped him form the league.
In his free time, he enjoyed traveling, camping and fishing. After 36 years of service to Columbia Gas, he retired and he and his second wife, Joanne (Wenning) ‘66, wintered for over 20 years in Texas to spend time with their grandchildren who lived there and to escape Ohio’s cold winters. But they always returned to Shelby.
He was a caring man and a devout Christian, giving of his personal time to help lead youth mission trips for his church. He welcomed anyone into his home, friend or stranger, and always saw the best in everyone. When he could no longer travel, he enjoyed spending many hours playing games with his great-grandchildren when they came to stay overnight. Although he had some health problems during the last few years, he still had a wonderful attitude and never gave up trying! Paul died on Feb. 16, 2016.
Nominator: Vella Milliron King ’72.