H. Wayne McMillan

H. Wayne McMillan, 88, of Hopewell, died on Saturday, October 31, 2026 in Zanesville. He was born on February 8, 1938 in Rogers, Arkansas to Harciel Lawrence McMillan and Martha Ellen (Arbaugh) McMillan. He married Janice Carol Porter on June 26, 1965.

Wayne was a 1955 graduate of Zanesville High School, and he earned a Bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from The Ohio State University in 1961. Wayne started his career working in his father’s drilling company before starting McMillan Drilling Company in 1964. In 1972 Wayne started working for Quaker State where he was an early pioneer of the computer age, introducing personal computers for calculating oil reserves. In 1983, Wayne was elected as president of the Ohio Stave Company, succeeding his father Harciel L. McMillan. While running Ohio Stave Company, Wayne also operated McMillan Associates, a software services business providing accounting and oil and gas reserve software. Wayne successfully grew and modernized Ohio Stave, expanding the products to include export wine staves. He and Janice sold the business to Independent Stave Company in 2014. In retirement, Wayne continued to work with computers and turned his attention to the family farm.

In his personal life, Wayne was a Methodist by faith and a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. Wayne was deeply interested in genealogy. In his early life, Wayne was an avid pilot, flying to many locations across the United States. He was also a long-time contributor to the Boy Scouts of America Muskingum Valley Council.

In addition to his wife of 61 years, Janice, he is survived by his daughters: Sally (Otto) Luburgh of Zanesville and Nancy McMillan (Rob Carnell) of Columbus; seven grandchildren: Nicholas Darby (Alexandra Gobble), Emily Stainbrook, Grant Stainbrook, Daniel (Taylor) Darby, Kelly Stainbrook, Martha Ellen Darby, and Samantha Darby; and two great-grandchildren: Cameron Darby and Logan Darby-Gobble.

Friends and family may call from 5:00-7:00 pm on Friday, November 6, 2026, and one hour prior to the funeral service which will be held at 11 am on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE, with Dr. Linda Morrow officiating. He will be laid to rest at Zanesville Memorial Park Cemetery.

Contributions can be made in Wayne’s honor to the Scouting America Muskingum Valley Council.

To send a note of condolence, or to order flowers or comfort food: visit www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com , follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at (740)452-4551.