Longtime Friend and Neighbor Ken McMillen Has Died

Kenneth R. McMillen    March 6, 1951  - April 19, 2024

Editors Note:

It is with great sadness that we pass along the following obituary for our longtime neighbor and friend Ken McMillen., who passed away April 19th.   Susie and I lived next door to Ken and his partner Dr. Ron Stanish for 10-years in our first home on Morningside Place.  Ken and Ron first moved to Lido Shores in 1995 and lived at 1165 Morningside Place.  They moved next door to 1157 Morningside Place in 2000.

Ken was an ardent and tireless caretaker of our beach access area, and served as Beach Committee Chair for many years.  According to Ron, he was "THE" Beach Committee for a long time, eliminating non-invasive species and personally planting many of the plants we still have today.

Ken and Ron hosted many popular post holiday "Hangover" parties...  and both would often be seen with their beloved dachshunds around the neighborhood.  

Ron is hosting a Celebration of Life for Ken Sunday, May 12th from 5-8pm at their home, 1157 Morningside Place.  All Lido Shorians are invited to attend.

Rest in peace, Ken.  We will miss you.

~BT

Sarasota Herald Tribune Obituary

Ken was a native of Sarasota, he graduated from Manatee Community College (now State College of Florida) with an Associates degree in 1972. he went on to earn his Bachelor's degree in Pre-Med from Oral Roberts University in 1976. Ken returned to Florida and continued his education at USF working toward a Master's degree and earning his teaching certificate in 1977. 

Ken taught in both Manatee and Sarasota county for 2 years. He continued his public service as an epidemiologist (diagnosing STD's) for the Health Department as a food (restaurant) inspector and as an AIDS coordinator for Manatee county. Ken was a man of many interests, he loved the Florida ecosystems and cherished the environmental beauty in his home state. 

Ken also was passionate about art and antiques. He opened McMillen and Company in 1995 and conducted fine art and personal property appraisals. He also conducted restate liquidations; He continued his studies of art and antiques at University of Maryland in 2000. He was a member of The International Society of Appraisers as well as a member of the local chapter.

He is survived by his long term partner of 35 years, Dr. Ron Stanish, brother Jay McMillen and niece Jessica in Naples, FL. He was predeceased by brother Lt. Colonel Gary McMillen and his parents Ken and Betty McMillen. Ken served in the United States Coast Guard and his ashes will be interred at the Sarasota National Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life will occur on May 12 from 5 to 8 pm at their home 1157 Morningside Place. 

Longtime Partner Dr. Ron Stanish & Ken McMillen