Merlin "Tubby" Milford Millspaugh

Tubby was born in Matthews, Indiana to Dessie Ellen and Garr Henry Millspaugh on Jan 26th, 1924. He was raised with 2 brothers (Harold and Danny) and 1 sister (Evelyn). They enjoyed playing in and around the Cumberland Covered Bridge on the Mississinewa River.

Tubby reported to the NAVY for service in 1943, at the age of 18. He served as a Coxswain in the Pacific Fleet during World War II and loved to tell stories about his Navy days in the Mariana Islands. He returned to the United States in 1945 and was honorably discharged in 1946.


He married Mary Ann Cantrall on November 13, 1945. They had four daughters, Linda (deceased), Judith (deceased), Marilyn, and Kathy.
After working many years in the aircraft industry he became a tree surgeon for the City of Hawthorne, in California. He retired as a member of the Parks and Recreation Department in 1984. The City of Hawthorne proudly proclaimed, Friday, May 18, 1984, as “Tubbs Millspaugh Day”.

His wife Mary Ann, preceded him in death in 1978. He married Rena Agnes Thompson on May 14th, 1983. She preceded him in death in 2006.

The majority of Tubby’s life was spent in Southern California where he was actively involved in the Elks, VFW, Moose, and Camper club. He enjoyed long distance bike riding and was a four time participant in the 204 mile Seattle to Portland bicycle classic. Tubby was a champion horseshoe pitcher taking first place in numerous tournaments. He enjoyed antique furniture restoration, playing guitar and singing, dancing, roller skating and blading, black powder shooting, fishing, whittling and repairing bicycles for under privileged children. Tubby spent countless hours of tinkering in his garage and creating in his barn where he could repair anything and if he didn’t have the tool, he would “Rig” up something to make it work. Tubby loved the adventure of travel by motorhome (Coach), cruises, including adventures in Greece, Holy Lands, Alaska and more.
In 2006, Tubby relocated to Port Orchard, Washington to be closer to his daughters and their families. Later in life, he enjoyed reading his Bible and cowboy books as well as watching the Western Channel.

Tubby peacefully passed, with family by his side, on March 29th, 2015, at the age of 91. Tubby leaves a rich legacy through his life teachings and story- telling to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Tubby has set an excellent example through his everyday teaching of life skills. He will be remembered as an honest, loyal, loving, active and FUN brother, dad, and granddad!

Tubby is survived by 8 children, 14 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren!
Washington Services will be held Saturday, April 4th at 11:30am at Rill’s Life Tribute Center located at 1151 Mitchell Ave, Port Orchard, WA 98366. Graveside services will be held Saturday April 11th at Pacific Crest Cemetery in Redondo Beach, California.