Jeffrey Glen Millns (1950-2017)

Jeffrey Glen Millns

Jeffrey Glen Millns, a professional horticulturist who operated florist shops in Waterville and Toledo, died Dec. 27. He was 67.

A relative found Mr. Millns’ body in a South Toledo field near the 800 block of Butterfield Drive, just east of Wenz Road between Angola Road and South Street, less than a mile from Parkcliffe Memory Care Center, where he went missing early Dec. 24.

His body showed evidence of hypothermia, but a final ruling is pending toxicology test results, according to Dr. James Patrick, Lucas County coroner.

He had been diagnosed with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes, and had moved into the Alzheimer’s facility within the past couple months, family members said.

Mr. Millns had owned and operated the former Joe I. Cooper Florist in Waterville for many years after he bought it in 1976. Over the years, he had opened two more store outlets — one in Waterville and the other at One SeaGate in Toledo. He closed the business and retired about a year ago, his brother, John Millns, said.

A professional horticulturist, he was a past president of Allied Florists of Toledo Area and a member of professional horticulturists’ organizations.

“He was very friendly and very helpful,” Phyllis Witzler, a past president of Waterville Historical Society said. “And his store was a beautiful attraction for Waterville.”

He was also a past president of the Waterville Area Chamber of Commerce and a past vice president and board member of Toledo Animal Shelter Association.

His other memberships included the Waterville Historical Society, Ohio State Alumni Association, the Clear Lake, Ind. Yacht Club, and Brandywine Country Club, Maumee.

“He was very outgoing, very caring, very social,” his sister, Nancy Ransom, said. “He just always wanted to include everybody in the good times. If you were a friend of his, you were guaranteed to have a good time.”

Said his brother John Millns, Jr., “He was always thinking about what he could do for somebody else. It carried through his flower business and everything he did... And he was fabulous with caring for the sick and the elderly.”

Mr. Millns was born March 29, 1950 in Toledo to John and Elaine Millns.

He attended St. Francis de Sales High School. While in high school, he became an Eagle Scout. He graduated in 1968.

Mr. Millns later attended the University of Toledo for a couple of years and then the Ohio State University, from which he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in horticulture.

In his free time, he enjoyed entertaining guests, particularly at his Clear Lake, Ind. cottage.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Mark Millns.

Surviving are his stepmother, Sandy Millns; brother, John Millns, Jr.; and sisters, Nancy Ransom and his twin, Susan VanWagner.

Visitation will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. A funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Gesu Catholic Church, 2049 Parkside Blvd.

The family suggests tributes to the Toledo Animal Shelter Association.

Contact Mike Sigov at sigov@theblade.com, 419-724-6089, or on Twitter @mikesigovblade.