The Rev. Willard G. McMillan, a pastor and educator who mixed humor with teaching during three-plus decades at Geneva College, died of cancer Saturday at his home in Patterson. He was 80.

A native of Iowa who many knew as "Will," Mr. McMillan grew up in New Concord, Ohio, the son of a pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian Church there.

He was a Navy ensign in World War II and was stationed in Okinawa.

He met his wife of more than 50 years, Shirley, while attending Geneva College, where he received a biblical studies degree in 1947. Mr. McMillan then entered the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, graduating from there in 1950.

He later did graduate work in Scotland and received a master's degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh.

In 1952, he became pastor of Parmassus Reformed Presbyterian Church in New Kensington. Three years later, he began a 35-year career at Geneva, teaching Bible studies and serving as an associate professor, chairman of the biblical studies and philosophy department, director of spiritual activities and dean of students at the Beaver County college.

Mr. McMillan loved to mix puns and other humor into his teaching, recalled John White, now president emeritus of Geneva who took a class, New Testament Survey, taught by Mr. McMillan in 1955.

"He was a winsome, humorous, consummate teacher," said White. "He and his wife, Shirley, would have students into their home. He was noted for his personal relationships with students."

After retiring from Geneva, Mr. McMillan was pastor of Geneva Reformed Presbyterian Church for five years.

In addition to his wife, Mr. McMillan is survived by two daughters, Katharine Dennis of Phoenix and Martha Wright of Syracuse, N.Y.; two sons, Scott of Albany, N.Y., and Stewart of San Diego; a brother, John of Darlington, Beaver County; 14 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. today at Geneva Reformed Presbyterian Church, Fourth Avenue and 31st Street, Beaver Falls. Burial will be in Reformed Presbyterian Church Cemetery in New Galilee.

Contributions can be made to the Willard McMillan Scholarship Fund online or by sending to Geneva College, 3200 College Ave., Beaver Falls 15010.