[QM Dad 1214]

My grandfather Jack McMillan passed away on Wed., Dec. 28. At the age of 85. He was a proud ex-Marine, having served in the first Marine division in both WWII & Korea. He retired from Eli Lilly in 1985. Some of you old timers may know him as he served on the safety/fire crew @ the Terre Haute Action Track for over 25 years. He also helped out local sprint car driver Dave Peperak(sp?), as a crew member. In addition, he helped my dad with me and my brother Tony's quarter midgets we raced in the 1970's.

He counted several sprint car legends as his friends including his favorite driver, A.J. Foyt. He would often attend races elsewhere including Winchester & Salem. Failing health in recent years sadly prevented him from attending more races or be able to see his great grandchildren race quarter midgets. Despite that, he loved to tell us stories of his time involved with racing. My favorite one is when he was in line to draw qualifying position for Peperak, as he was still working on his car. A young, struggling driver was in line behind him and he learned that this drivers funds were so tight he hadn't had a decent meal in days. Despite the driver's protest that he didn't know when he could pay him back, Grandpa Jack gave him $20.00 so he could get a steak dinner that night. That driver was Ken Schrader.

I just thought some of you old timers might want to know. Visitation will be at Mattox & Wood in north Terre Haute on Friday from 4-7pm. If you are in the area, come by and swap some racing stories. I know he would have loved that.

We'll miss you Grandpa Jack,

Bill J. Samm, MD

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