Joseph Harrison Millard
9-21-1939 / 10-15-2023
Joseph Harrison Millard passed away on October 15, 2023, surrounded by family and friends after having suffered from several debilitating strokes. Joe was born on September 21, 1939, to Lawrence Raymond and Juanita Sargent Millard in Weber County, Utah.
Joe married Lynda Petersen and had two beautiful daughters: Jo Lynn and Karla Jean. Joe and Lynda later divorced. He then married Brenda Berrett, and from this union they had a son Dusty Millard, and later divorced. Joe then married Gail Preece and had two sons: Brandon and Chase Millard. Joe and Gail later divorced. Joe then married Kathilynn Varney and divorced. Joe loved being MARRIED, but his ex-wives loved being divorced. When asked who his favorite wife was, Joe would respond that they were all wonderful women. And that he never deserved any of them.
At the age of 19, Joe joined the U.S. Marines and served four years. He always was proud of his service to his country. Joe had a variety of different jobs from Ranch hand, construction, welding, fabrication, and millwright. He worked at Pacific Chromalox during the 80’s and 90’s and retired from Dan Bough Construction in 2013. He enjoyed problem solving and coming up with creative solutions to any project that his many friends had going on.
Joe enjoyed drawing, sketching, and painting. Many of his family and friends have painting and sketches on their walls that Joe has done. He liked Native American History and Art, which was often included in his paintings. Joe loved meeting at the Stagecoach Café anytime for coffee. Playing poker with Rose and letting her win. He enjoyed classic cars, motor bikes, car shows and restoration of anything old. Working in the shop with Joe was a pleasure for everyone (less work and more play). Some of his favorite things to do were camping, the mountain man rendezvous, working with his hands, Joe would find creative ways to entertain the kids. Like carving a fallen tree into a race car (this would allow Joe more time to work on the hand-built log cabin, to be used later in the year for the hunt). Joes True love was Addie (His dog), Addie was his constant companion always by his side and always full of love. Dad was always up for a smoke break, Pall Malls, and a Good BS session.
Joe enjoyed his friends and family, he was a proud member of ABATE, Prospect for Sundowners, and went on numerous charitable bike runs.
Joe is survived by his sister Linda Burt. Children: Karla Jean Bessinger, Dusty Millard, Brandon Millard, Chase Millard, and Randilynn Varney. Grandchildren Mikela and Calder Millard. Joe is also survived by his chosen family Roger and Laura Rasmussen, Vanessa Jensen, and Chris (Bubba) Malan. Preceded in death by his parents, and Stepmother Zola, brothers Walter and John Millard, daughter Jo Lynn Bessinger, and chosen daughter Angela Marie Bessinger.
Joe’s family and friends would like to thank all the caring staff at McKay Dee Hospital and George E. Whalen Veteran’s home. As well as all the family and friends that visited Joe in his last few months. Cremation services will be performed by Kramer Family Funeral Home (KramerFamilyFuneral.com). There will be Celebration of Joe’s life, at a future time. Anyone that would like to attend please contact Brandon Millard at millardbrandon5235@gmail.com so we can contact you when a date is selected.