William B. McIlwaine, 100

February 13, 2024

William B. McIlwaine, 100, of Millersville, went Home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.

Born in Fall River, MA on January 4, 1924, he was the son of the late Lillie (Higginbottom) and William McIlwaine. He married Melva Seymour on August 25, 1950 and they were married for almost 59 years before Melva passed away in June 2009.

He is survived by two daughters, Deborah E. Shenk (Dale) of Willow Street, Meredyth van Scherpenseel (Antonius) of Savannah, GA; two sons, David W. of East Petersburg, Douglas B. (Susen) of Ashland, VA, four grandchildren, Ross D. (Rachel), Grant W. (Alison), Benjamin D., Nathaniel S.; a brother-in-law, William A. Seymour and several nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Troy D. McIlwaine.

After graduating from high school, he volunteered for military service and joined Patton’s 3rd Army. He was assigned to the 80th Infantry, 317th Headquarters Company, where his job was to lay communications wire. He saw action in at least 3 major battles, including the Battle of the Bulge. For his bravery and contributions, he was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge and Four Theatre of Operation Stars.

Returning to Fall River after the war, he attended Boston University. He arrived at Millersville State Teachers College (now Millersville University of PA) in 1958 to teach geology and chemistry. He later served as the first chairperson of the Department of Earth and Space Science and later chaired the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education. As Director of Grants and Awards, he advocated tirelessly for the college and its students. He retired from Millersville in 1991 but continued to stay involved with Millersville by serving on the board of Trustees for over 20 years.

At Millersville, he established the Melva S. McIlwaine Master Class and Concert Endowment in his wife’s memory, to provide unique experiences for the students to learn and perform with a variety of gifted musicians. Also at Millersville, he established the William B. McIlwaine Scholarship in the Earth Sciences as well as support for; the Departments of Early, Middle and Exceptional Education, Wellness and Sport Sciences, and Intercollegiate Athletics.

Due to Bill and Melva’s love of music and support of the values of Lancaster Bible College, they established the McIlwaine Guest Artist Series, the McIlwaine Music Performance, the McIlwaine Scholar Athlete, the McIlwaine Science and the McIlwaine Library endowments.

Bill was an active member of the National Science Teachers Foundation and the Pennsylvania Science Teachers Association. He served on both the Pennsylvania and National Boards of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators. He served on the Millersville Borough Council, Penn Manor School Board, YMCA board of directors, and the County Board of Public Assistance. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Millersville.

The family is very grateful to and wishes to thank the staff of the Mennonite Home, especially those on Reed Run, for the kind and loving care they gave to Bill.

A memorial service will be held on April 6, 2024 at Lancaster Bible College, Good Shepherd Chapel, 901 Eden Road, Lancaster, PA 17601 at 11:00 am. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 am until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances can be made in Bill’s memory to the Dr. William B. McIlwaine Endowment at Lancaster Bible College, 901 Eden Road, Lancaster, PA 17601