After receiving a degree from the University of Buffalo School of Pharmacy in 1926, Minns worked as a pharmacist at Allendel Pharmacy until 1941, when he entered the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps. During and after World War II (1944-1948) he served in New Guinea, the Philippines and Japan. In 1958 he was promoted to colonel and served as curator of the Medical Museum of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. After retiring from the army, Minns worked as a pharmacist at Roswell Park Memorial Institute.
From the description of Papers, 1910-1972 (bulk 1938-1961). (Buffalo History Museum). WorldCat record id: 34178388