05/19/2025
In Memoriam: Karl B. McMillen Jr. (1928 – 2025)
Fred Brown's Recovery Services remembers the extraordinary life of Karl B. McMillen Jr., whose compassion and generosity transformed countless lives across Southern California. Karl passed away on May 6, 2025, at age 96, leaving an enduring legacy, particularly in the field of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and recovery.
Born in 1928, Karl embodied determination, resilience, and hard work. Starting from humble beginnings, he founded Alert Plumbing and later Todd Pipe & Supply, building it into one of the region's foremost plumbing supply businesses, employing hundreds across multiple locations. His business success was rooted in a relentless commitment to integrity, quality service, and respect for his employees and community.
The loss of his eldest son, Mark, to addiction in 1986, followed by the passing of his beloved wife, Thelma, and later his youngest son, Chris, profoundly influenced his life's purpose. Having courageously overcome his own struggles with alcoholism, Karl dedicated himself wholeheartedly to preventing similar pain for other families. He shared his personal experiences and reflections in his memoir, "Triumphs and Tragedies: A True Story of Wealth and Addiction," hoping his family's story would serve as both caution and inspiration.
In 2008, Karl and his second wife, Carol, established the McMillen Family Foundation, significantly enhancing support for addiction treatment, education, and prevention. The Foundation quickly became a transformative force, funding dozens of organizations across Southern California, strengthening the regional recovery community and providing support for thousands of individuals and families.
Fred Brown's Recovery Services is deeply honored and grateful to have received support from the McMillen Family Foundation, including over $350,000 to establish our kitchen on W 14th and upgrade our inpatient home on W 19th. Each day, this facility provides nourishing, home-cooked meals to hundreds of our clients, enhancing their health, dignity, and recovery journey.
Beyond his impactful contributions to SUD treatment, Karl’s generosity reached into broader community needs, supporting healthcare, education, and essential local services. His holistic and compassionate approach to giving demonstrated how personal success could powerfully address the most pressing societal challenges.
Karl McMillen Jr.’s empathy, unwavering resilience, and noble spirit continue to inspire Fred Brown's Recovery Services and the many individuals and organizations touched by his life. We extend heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew him. His remarkable legacy will forever guide and motivate us in our shared mission of compassion and recovery.
