Ethan Minot Quillen was born in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia, March 18, 1994, the second child to Dean and Sharla (Taylor) Quillen. The family relocated to the United States in 2000, to Allegan, Michigan, where they lived with Sharla’s parents.
From a very young age, Ethan was known for being respectful, kind and an all-around good person. His generosity and willingness to help others was made very clear when he became a United States Marine, serving from 2013 to 2017. After he was discharged from the Marines, Ethan eventually took a job working at MDOT, a job he truly loved where he made many friends.
He was united in marriage to Kaitlyn (Dohm) Quillen on September 7, 2019, in Edwardsburg, Michigan. Just over a week later, on September 19, 2019, Ethan joined the Paw Paw Volunteer Fire Department. Through a year of hard work and dedication, and proving his gift in the fire service, Ethan was quickly promoted to Lieutenant of Grass Rig 1207 in October of 2020. In October of 2022, Ethan was promoted to Lieutenant of Engine 1201, Paw Paw’s main engine. This was a role Ethan did not take lightly. He dedicated himself to never let the chief down and to take care of the engine (which happened to be his favorite fire truck).
Ethan had a wide range of hobbies and enjoyed living on the edge! His hobbies included bull riding, fixing up his truck and staying busy with projects. His friends would say “It seems like he always had 1,000 projects he was working on!”
Ethan accomplished a lot in his short life; however, his biggest accomplishment was becoming a father to his daughter, Loghenn.
Ethan tragically lost his life on the scene of a fire call Wednesday, February 22, 2023. He died doing what he loved to do most, serving his community and those in need. Ethan made the ultimate sacrifice and gave his life for free.
Surviving is his wife, Kaitlyn Quillen, daughter, Loghenn, mother and father, Dean and Sharla (Taylor) Quillen, one sister, Bridgett (Kelly Jr.) Modad; nephew, Kelly Modad, III; niece, Josy Modad; grandparents, Lynn (Clarence “Sonny”) Taylor and Daphne (late Larry) Quillen.
Public visitation will be held Saturday, March 4, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Paw Paw High School, 30609 East Red Arrow Highway, Paw Paw, where a funeral ceremony will commence at 12:30 p.m. Ethan will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery in Allegan.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Ethan’s family or to Christ Community Church, 3370 113th Ave., Allegan, MI, 49010.
Share a memory or sign the online guestbook at: www.adamspawpaw.com