Eugene James Milligan

Eugene James Milligan was born in Kaufman, Texas, on July 2, 1942, to Vernie and Henry Milligan. He passed away on July 25, 2024, at the age of 82. Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 17, at Blue Starr Church of Christ.

Following his father's death in 1945, Gene’s family moved to Grand Prairie, Texas. After leaving high school, he served in the Army in France as a supply specialist and qualified as a sharpshooter. He attained the rank of Sergeant during his service. 

Following his service, Gene graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1967 with a degree in accounting. He moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma in March of 1968 and worked for Amoco Oil Company as an accountant and systems analyst.

In 1994, Gene retired and then moved to Claremore, Oklahoma. After living in the city for 28 years, he enjoyed country life, having received a degree in Horse and Ranch Management from Will Rogers University and starting his own hobby farm. 

Gene was an active member of the Church of Christ, serving as a deacon and then as an elder. He had a generous spirit and loved participating in service projects, disaster relief programs, and contributing to charitable causes. Gene was a strong advocate for equality and believed deeply in the dignity and worth of all people. 

Throughout his life Gene enjoyed sports, outdoors, and traveling. He loved family trips to Wuanita Hot Springs, a dude ranch in Colorado, visiting historic parks and sites across the country and even exploring the Grand Canyon. He was an avid history buff and enjoyed reading about the Civil War and US Presidents. He was always quick with a fact about a particular historical event or person, often mixing it in with a joke or witty quip that evidenced his quick and dry sense of humor.

Gene met Sharon Adams in Grand Prairie shortly after leaving the Army. They were married on July 23, 1966 and celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary just a few days before his passing. Throughout his life, family was his greatest joy. He loved visits from his children and grandchildren and the opportunity to share his love of the farm and outdoors with them. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernie and Henry Milligan; his brothers Glenn and Henry Milligan; and his sister Janice Gibson. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Milligan; his son, Randy Milligan; his daughter, Mindy Wallace; his son-in-law, Brad Wallace; his grandchildren, Ambrose and Ainsley Wallace; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Harbor  https://hopeharborinc.app.neoncrm.com/forms/givenow