Lawrence "Larry" J. McMillan

Lawrence Joseph McMillan, 70, of Carmel, IN, passed into the presence of the Lord on March 21, 2026.  He was born March 15,1956 in Indianapolis to Paul E. and Beverly J. (Wilson) McMillan. After hearing the gospel from his brother, Tom, Larry trusted in Jesus Christ as his personal Savior on New Years’ Eve, 1971. His family began attending Colonial Hills Baptist Church (then Northeast Baptist) a few months later.

After graduating from Carmel High School in 1974, Larry earned a B.S in Systematic Theology and a Master of Divinity from Denver Baptist Bible College and Seminary. He then began his career by serving as interim minister of music at Colonial Hills for 9 months, during which time he was ordained to gospel ministry. He spent one year serving as a student recruiter for his alma mater and then returned to Indianapolis. He married Peggy Sue Harrell on August 11, 1984, and the couple moved to Arizona where Larry pastored a mission church in Flagstaff and then an existing church in Prescott Valley. Sensing that God was directing him into the legal field, they moved back to Flagstaff where Larry pursued a B.A in History and Political Science at Northern Arizona University.  They had their first child there, and so, desiring to be closer to family, they moved back to Indianapolis. He spent most of his working years as a paralegal and then finished his career working in front office for Integrity Automotive in Carmel before his cancer forced him to retire in November 2024.

Larry was preceded in death by his father, Paul McMillan; brother, Tom McMillan; sister, Cheryl Draper; and stepfather, William Marvel.

Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Peggy (Harrell) McMillan; 3 children, Merrilee (Jon) Gohdes, J.M., Park (Morgan) McMillan, and Abby (Esteban) Crawford; 5 grandchildren, Flannery, Adriel, and Santiago Crawford, and William and Elliott Gohdes; mother, Beverly McMillan-Marvel; and sister, Diane Walsh.

Anyone who knew Larry knew he loved his Savior and his family dearly. He will be well remembered for his booming bass voice, which he used to serve the Lord in speaking and singing. His laugh could fill a room, and his big bear hugs made every recipient feel secure and loved. He enjoyed cooking delicious meals for gatherings with family and friends. He demonstrated hospitality in his home and at church by showing genuine interest in each person he encountered and intentionally encouraging them. He loved to discuss theology, philosophy, worldviews, and books, and always interjected thought-provoking questions. Most of all, Larry loved the Word of God and could communicate it masterfully. Literally hundreds of people in the local churches he attended have benefited from his Bible teaching. He possessed a unique ability to teach in a way that those with little Bible knowledge could understand, and those with much Bible knowledge would be challenged. Like every human being, he was imperfect. But he lived what he believed and taught, and he provided a consistent, godly example to his family, co-workers, and church family. Today, his body is new and whole, and he is rejoicing and singing praises face to face with His worthy Savior. All glory to Jesus!

Family and friends will gather at 9 am on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Colonial Hills Baptist Church, where the Celebration of Life service will begin at 11 am.

Larry’s final resting place will be in the Carmel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Larry may be directed to Colonial Hills Baptist Church, 8140 Union Chapel Road, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46240, and designated for the International Ministry.  Envelopes will be available at the service.

Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family in arrangements.

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