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Robert Vern Millard, age 70, of Three Rivers, passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, in Kalamazoo after battling a long illness. He was born in Vicksburg on October 13, 1955, the son of Winston and Roberta (Howe) Millard. Bob attended Mendon High School and was part of the notorious class of 1973. Following high school, he attended Bob Jones University in South Carolina. In 1975, Bob married Terry Ann Avery; they would later divorce. In 2019, he married Lori Samson-Masnari at King’s Mill in Leonidas.
Bob was an entrepreneur at heart and a wise businessman, running many businesses, ranging from Snap-On, U-Haul, and Millard Insurance and Financial Group. He was a dedicated worker, making sure he was able to provide for his family and those close to him. Giving to people, taking care of people, supporting people, providing for people, and loving people was his true calling in life. If there was someone in need of help, Bob was there with a giving hand; a characteristic he learned at a young age attending Word of Life Camp. To this day, Bob made sure kids are taken care of, he made that possible through his board service with Encounter Revival Ministries. Bob traveled the globe, making friends wherever he went, forming strong bonds with strangers that remain today. Occasionally, he would take time for himself, which included watching his favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt, listening to gospel and country music, and refereeing local basketball games. EVERYONE was important to Bob, but his family had a special place in his heart. In life, Bob was 100% all-in, making everyday count.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Lori Samson-Masnari; his wonderful foster parents, Rex and Ann Crotser; three children; Brandi Millard, Rebecca (Dallas) Hynicka – the favorite, and Ashleigh (Jonathan) Sutter; two step-children; Sarah (Zac) Vancamp-Findlay, Megan (Sean) Martin; six grandchildren; Ethan Hynicka, Madelyn Hynicka, Megan Sutter, Abigail Sutter, Olivia Sutter, and Matthew Sutter; four step-grandchildren; Maxum Findlay, Vaughn Geiger, Walter Geiger, and Seanna Martin; five siblings; Mickel (Marcia) Millard, Greg (Shelly) Millard, Roberta (Lee) Ostten, Renee Hoard, and Robin (Matt) Henckel; four foster siblings; Tony (Paula) Crotser, Troy (Rebecca) Crotser, Chad Crotser, and Travis (Katie) Crotser; dear friends; Chuck and Cheryl Birkhold, Bill Ray, March and Cudles Durren, Dan and Val Heffernan, and Butch Dehn; the wonderful class of 1973; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended families. He was preceded in passing by his parents, Winston and Roberta Ann Millard.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 from 9 until 11am at the Mendon United Methodist Church (320 W Main St., Mendon, MI 49072) with funeral services beginning at 11:00 with Pastor Nathan Gipson officiating. Following the funeral, burial will take place in Mendon Cemetery. It is suggested that donations in Bob’s name be directed to Mt. Lou San Bible Camp (www.mtlousan.org/give), Verse by Verse Church (300 Enterprise Dr., Three Rivers, MI, 49093), or simply donate at your local blood drive to help others in need. Condolences and memories may be expressed to his family at eickhofffuneralhome.com
