Arthur Milligan

Arthur "Art" Milligan, 87, of Ottawa, formerly of Wedron and Grand Ridge, passed away Saturday, February 7, 2009 at Cabn Livn near Hennepin. Memorial services with Masonic Rites will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday at Gladfelter Funeral Home with Rev. Duane Kaufman officiating. Interment with Military Rites by American Legion Post 33 Honor Guard will be in Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from Noon till service time Friday at the funeral home. Art was born January 31, 1922 at Pana, Illinois, a son of Cashes Leighton and Laura Belle (Thomas) Milligan. He married Beverly J. Dummett September 1, 1946 at Pana, Illinois. She preceded him in death December 20, 1995. He is survived by three sons, Rodney (Laura) Milligan of Springfield, Illinois, Jeffrey (June) Milligan of Bettendorf, Iowa and Timothy (Beckey) Milligan of El Cajon, California; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two daughters in infancy; two brothers, Leonard and Lawrence; and five sisters, Evelyn (Sparr) De Meyer, Veda Shellenbarger, Mae Goethuys, Lula Holsapple and Ruth Milligan. Art was a member of the United Methodist Church of Grand Ridge. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1942-1945 as an aviation machinist mate. Art retired from Libbey-Owens-Ford as an electrician and was a former custodian of Trinity Lutheran Church and Pleasant View Luther Home. He also had been employed at Blaine's Farm & Fleet. He was a member of American Legion Post 33, VFW Post 2470, Occidental Lodge #40 AF & AM and the Loyal Order of the Moose. Art was a former Rutland Township precinct committeeman. He led the consolidation effort representing Wedron in the Serena school district consolidation. Art was also a concessionaire operating a corn dog stand at county fairs and various events. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Childrens Hospital.